85-year-old volunteer’s splashing sponsored scuba dive

Eva Chadderton is a Dr Kershaw's volunteer

Dr Kershaw’s volunteer, Eva Chadderton is making waves here at the Hospice after she embarked on her first ever scuba diving lesson. 

The idea came to light after watching her grandson, Chris, 21, scuba dive and the pensioner decided to take on the challenge to raise money for her local hospice. And since getting the green light from her doctor, Eva was incredibly excited for her 1 to 1 lesson at the Aquatech Diving Centre in Stockport, who kindly offered her the lesson for free. 

Having never put her head under water or swimming in the deep end of a pool, Eva, who learned to swim aged 32, couldn’t wait to do something different for Dr Kershaw’s. 

Volunteering for over 17 years Eva says “I’ve done many roles during my time at the Hospice, flower arranging, working in the kitchen and being a receptionist. Anything I can do to help raise funds for the charity, it’s such a good cause and I love volunteering here.”

About the experience, Eva said, “I thought I’d be frightened but the instructor told me to take my time and I wasn’t scared in the end - I did have butterflies beforehand though.”

“My grandson said people who have never done it before tend to panic but it was easier than I expected!”
“It meant a lot to be able to tick something off my bucket list, it’s definitely my biggest achievement.” 

As well as having a whale of a time, Eva raised a splash-tastic £345 for patient care at Dr Kershaw’s. Well done Eva, you’ve mer-made us so proud!

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.