The flight attendant who takes pride in working inside an aircraft will be switching on her adventurous side by being strapped to the top of an aircraft for a touching reason.
In 2014, a nervy 15-year-old Hannah was referred to James Cook for her scoliosis condition. After initial treatment, she underwent spinal surgery on 8 October 2014 which transformed her life.
Although being in a hospital was daunting, the hospital teams took care of her at every step of her journey.
She said: “With the surgery, I knew I was in very capable hands and would be cared for whatever happens. The PICU (paediatric intensive care unit) staff reassured me every single day that they were there for me.
“They understood I was very nervous with everything, and they never forced me to do anything that I was not comfortable with.”
Following her surgery, the Darlington resident has gone on to lead a successful life working as a flight attendant and travelling around the world, which may not have been possible if not for the scoliosis surgery she underwent at James Cook.
However, this year she went a step further and decided to do fundraise for the teams that looked after her with compassion and love.
A brief conversation with a passenger while working as a cabin crew gave her the idea of the wing walk challenge, and she instantly booked a flight to get on top of an aircraft.
She said: “To celebrate ten years of my scoliosis surgery, I will be completing a wing walk on Thursday 26 September for Our Hospitals Charity, a charity which is close to my heart.
The money raised will go towards the paediatric spine services at James Cook Hospital. I would like to give back to those who changed my life for the better so that they can continue to have a positive impact on the futures of other individuals too.
“I also want to spread awareness of scoliosis while inspiring others to live life to the max!”
Paediatric spine specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman was one of the nurses involved in providing care to a young Hannah in 2014.
She added: “Hannah has always been a big supporter of the paediatric spine service at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, since she had her surgery ten years ago.
“The team wants to thank Hannah for her ongoing help, and we are delighted that by doing the wing walk she is showing others that there are many opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest after major surgery.”
Fundraising manager for Our Hospitals Charity Lisa Meehan said: “We would like to thank Hannah for all her efforts in fundraising for our paediatric spine service, which will make a huge difference.
“Also wishing her the best of luck from everyone at South Tees Hospitals.”
Support Hannah’s challenge
Individuals interested in supporting Hannah’s daredevil challenge can visit the official JustGiving page to make a donation.