Carol Poole's Challenge Journey for Cransley Hospice Trust
Carol Poole is no stranger to pushing her limits. At 72, Carol has become an inspiration, taking on daring challenges to support Cransley Hospice Trust.
From abseiling, and skydiving, to firewalking, and an upcoming wing walk, Carol Poole continues to raise vital funds for Cransley Hospice Trust. It all began in 2008 after seeing the care provided for her dear friend, Al Tait, who got married to Lucy whilst in the care of Cransley Hospice Trust.
As well as taking part in challenge events, Carol took over organising the annual Woodfordstock music festival, previously organised by her late husband Steve who died in 2015, a musician whose life revolved around bringing people together. Woodfordstock has continued to raise funds for Cransley Hospice Trust year on year ever since.
“Cransley is a huge part of my life,” Carol says. “It’s something the whole community needs, and I want to help ensure it’s there for others who need it in the future.”
Her connection became even stronger when her good friend, Steven Baigent, passed away from cancer in 2018 whist in the care of Cransley Hospice Trust.
“Al was my first experience of Cransley, and then Steven,” Carol shares. “The care provided is just phenomenal. The staff there are so special and have a completely different approach. It’s not hurried and dignity and comfort were most important for both Al and Steven.”
In 2018, Carol began tackling Cransley Hospice Trust challenges, using the support of her Woodford community and the Barclays Bank’s funding programme.
The skydiving experience was one of her favourite challenges. “I was the only woman, 70 years old, and was put at ease by the others in the plane,” she recalls. “It was so peaceful and perfect up there. The support from Cransley and my supporters means everything; to share the euphoria with your family and friends is so special!”
“You can’t let people down after they have donated to support you, adrenaline kicks in, and you just do it! The firewalk was the easiest, but as it scrambled with my head as it goes against everything you know instinctively, but once I completed the first walk, I just had to go again and it raised the most money!” explains Carol.
Her next challenge is a wing walk which fills her with both excitement and fear. “I’m terrified!” she admits. “I put it out there, so I have to do it! It’s another personal challenge, and Cransley gets the results.” Her fundraising strategies are as diverse as her challenges. “I use a JustGiving page, sponsorship forms in pubs, and rely on my friends,” she explains. “I’ve been fundraising since 2011, so when people see me, they know they’ve got to put their hand in their pocket. Even if it’s just a pound, it all adds up!”
Carol has raised an incredible £6,740 since taking part in challenges, as well as securing £5,267 from Barclays Bank for Cransley Hospice Trust! Her favourite fundraising moments are her late husband, Steve’s grandchildren performing their first gigs at Woodfordstock on his original drums, accompanied by a rainbow. She also fondly recalls the pub landlord’s dog, Billy, popping balloons to raise funds, and the creative efforts of young supporters like Bella, who sold handmade bracelets and donated the takings. Woodfordstock has raised an incredible £108,807.19 to date for Cransley Hospice Trust.
“The most rewarding aspect is thinking, ‘Have I really done that?’” Carol reflects. “And knowing that the money I’ve raised benefits so many people at Cransley.”
Carol’s advice to anyone considering a challenge for Cransley Hospice Trust is simple: “Do it! Don’t think about it, just do it. Pick something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, and always think about why you are doing it, It’s only a couple of hours, and the benefit and impact are massive!” she shares.
Carol’s impressive fundraising is a reminder that anyone can make a difference. By following in Carol’s footsteps and taking on our own challenges, we can continue to support Cransley Hospice Trust to provide that essential care for those who need it and their families.
Feeling inspired by Carol? Find your next challenge here.