WORKERS at a care home in Mapplewell will be facing their fears this summer - when they swim with sharks for charity.

Four members of staff at Deangate Care Home, in Mapplewell, will be making the plunge on July 23, at Sea Life, Blackpool, to raise money for their residents’ fund.

The team includes Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate, who last year won Community Hero at the Proud of Barnsley Awards.

Rachel raised over £2,000 for the residents’ fund last year, by doing a charity skydive - despite her fear of flying.

She said: “How do you top jumping out of a plane? My answer is to face another fear.

“I have an even bigger fear of open water.

“I would honestly prefer to jump out of the plane again.

“The sharks don’t bother me at all.

“I would quite happily have afternoon tea with them.

“But to think I have to go into a tank where you can’t touch the floor or the sides is one of the scariest things I could ever dream of.”

Some of the experiences that the residents’ fund will support includes taking some residents to Blackpool for the event.

They will get the chance to dance in the Blackpool Tower ballroom, and visit Blackpool Zoo.

Rachael has managed to recruit three other staff members for the fundraiser - senior carer Lisa Naylor, cook Cheryl Pinner, and carer Troy Hunte.

She added: “I want the residents and everyone to know that life doesn’t end when you enter a care home, it begins again, and it can be the most incredible experience.

“This is why I will continue to do these harebrained fundraisers.

“Plus, this time I’m not alone.

“I’m bringing three of my crazy colleagues with me.”

Patricia Wroe, an 89-year-old resident at Deangate, said: “I haven’t been at Deangate long but it’s amazing to see what people will do to help us residents that live here.

“We are so lucky to have kind people that want to do something so crazy to make our lives more special.

“I am happy living here, it’s like a home from home.”

Frances Smith, 89, is also a resident at the care home.

She added: “When I found out what Rachael had thought of this year I couldn’t believe it.

“She’s even managed to get three other people involved.

“I don’t know how she managed that.

“I would be too scared to do it.

“It’s fantastic we are all going to Blackpool for the day too.

“Good luck to the ladies and gent that will be swimming with the sharks.”

The team has set an initial target of £500 for the fundraiser, which can be found on the Barnsley Chronicle website.