High flying Kingsway resident hits the heights for Liverpool hospital (From This Is Cheshire)

High flying Kingsway resident hits the heights for Liverpool hospital

5:30pm Friday 12th March 2010

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AN organ transplant patient is set to fly 1,000 feet along a zipwire to raise funds for charity.

Holly Shaw, aged 22, of Coppice Green, Kingsway, will take part in the Big Zip challenge on March 21 after the wire is set up from the 250ft roof of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, stretching across to the roof of the Linda McCartney Centre.

Holly was diagnosed with kidney failure aged 17 and spent nine hours a week on dialysis before an organ match was found in October 2008, aged 21.

A keen fundraiser, she now wants to support the event’s main beneficiaries, the Linda McCartney Centre and the St Paul’s Eye Appeal.

Holly took part in an abseil at Leasowe Lighthouse in Wirral in November and also won a Vinspired National Award at that time, which recognises amazing contributionsmade by people aged 16 to 25.

This was after Holly was nominated by Claire Britton, Chester University's volunteer co-ordinator, for her courage and passion during a national donor day.

Holly appeared on GMTV and Sky News, and even received a personal message of support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown as her efforts prompted 3,200 people to sign up.

She said: “The abseil at Leasowe was good so I’m sure this will be exciting and it’s a great way to raise money for my favourite charities.

“This hospital is also where I was treated so this means a lot to me.

“I’m not very good with heights but I’m willing to overlook that for a good cause!

“Since the transplant I’m always keen to try new things.”

Inspite of her illness Holly, who went to Great Sankey High School, managed to complete her A-levels and a degree in early childhood studies at Chester University and has gone on to become a nursery nurse.

Holly continues to work voluntarily as the region’s advocate for charity Live Life Then Give Life, which saves and improves the lives of those in need or receipts of organ and tissue transplants.

Big Zip participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship and anyone interested in taking part should call 0151 706 3153, e-mail info@yourcentre.org or register at thebigzip.co.uk

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