Woman to take on ‘Zip the Cow’ to celebrate her 90th year for Sue Ryder

The challenge, which sees participants soar over the Wharfe Valley on a high‑speed zip wire, has been on Joan’s mind for some time.

The idea resurfaced during a conversation with her grandson, Kyle, and this year she decided it was finally time to give it a go. 

“We were talking about it once and I just said, ‘Oh, I’d like to do that,’” she said.

“It’s something I’ve always fancied, and I thought my chance had gone, but here we are.” 

Joan’s decision is also shaped by the care her sister and a close friend received from Sue Ryder Nurses.

She said: “The Sue Ryder Nurses were wonderful. You couldn’t have had better care at all. It’s always going to be a hard experience, but the team made it as kind and caring as possible. My sister had a brain tumour, and my friend was there too, they were both looked after so well.” 

Although she has never taken on anything adrenaline‑fuelled before, Joan says she isn’t feeling nervous about the high-speed zip wire challenge yet.

“People say, ‘Aren’t you frightened?’ but I’m one of those people, if you’ve got to do something, just get on with it and do it,” she said.

“I’m not nervous until people start telling me I should be!” 

And she already knows exactly how she plans to celebrate once her feet are back on the ground.

“I’ll be looking forward to a drink when I get down, there’s a pub at the bottom!” she said. 

There is, however, one part she’s not entirely thrilled about: “I’m not looking forward to the helmet, they’re not glamorous, not when you get to 90!” Joan joked.  

Joan hopes her story will encourage others to sign up too. “If I can do it, so can you,” she said. “Sometimes people just need a bit of encouragement. To anyone thinking about signing up, I say - come on, we’ll go together.” 

Andrew Wood, Sue Ryder Senior Regional Fundraiser, said: “We are all absolutely delighted that Joan has chosen to take on Zip the Cow as she celebrates her 90th year.

"It’s a wonderful thing to do, and her enthusiasm has already brought a smile to everyone here at Sue Ryder.  

“Joan’s attitude is inspiring, she shows that this challenge really is for people of all ages, and we hope her story encourages others to sign up at www.sueryder.org/zipthecow. 

"This year we are also doing some evening Zip the Cow sessions so whether you choose daylight or mooo-nlight we’d love to see more people sign up and take part.” 

You can donate to Joan’s Zip the Cow challenge here: www.justgiving.com/page/joan-livesey 

For more information about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headlingley, visit www.sueryder.org