Leeds daredevil hospice fundraiser nominated for award

Jean Piper, 70, of Old Farnley has been a major supporter of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley ever since hospice staff cared for her husband Clive before he lost his battle with cancer in 2008.

Mrs Piper was diagnosed with chronic lymphotic leukaemia seven years ago and has been in remission for two years.

She has taken part in three fundraising parachute jumps and has also braved a charity firewalk to raise much needed funds for the hospice.

Established by Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, the annual Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards recognise women who have made an outstanding contribution in Yorkshire over six categories: Business, Education, Young Achiever, Sport, Jane Tomlinson Courage Award and the Community Impact Award. This year there are two exciting new categories: Arts and Science and Technology.

Mrs Piper, who has been nominated for the courage award, said: “I’m honoured to be recognised for the work I do for Wheatfields.”

Mrs Piper said the hospice nurses enabled her husband to fulfil his wish of being able to die at home, adding: “Once he knew he was at home, he died peacefully within 12 hours.”

The awards take place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Friday May 12. Last year the awards raised over £50,000 for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

Deadline for nominations for the awards is Friday March 24.

To nominate someone, contact Mary Campbell on 0113 2787249 or via e mail at [email protected]