The iconic extreme abseil returned to the Ipswich Hospital at the weekend which saw 178 brave participants abseil from 135ft.
Organised by the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, the adrenaline-fuelled event has so far raised over £68,733 to enhance patient experience across Colchester and Ipswich Hospital’s and the community sites run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Among the courageous abseilers were 46 staff members fundraising for wards and departments across the hospitals and grateful patients and their families like Joe Alexander, who, despite his fear of heights, raised over £3,000 for the cause which is close to his heart.
Joe Alexander
Joe’s personal journey with cancer ignited his passion for supporting local healthcare services due to two cancer diagnoses in just over two decades. “I’ve experienced first-hand the exceptional care and facilities provided by the staff in the Woolverstone Wing at Ipswich Hospital,” Joe said.
Maisie-Belle Allen-Banks (left) and Grace Pearson (right)
Inspiring friends Grace Pearson and Maisie-Belle Allen-Banks also completed the abseil in memory of Grace’s dad, Mark Pearson, who passed away in January this year after a three-year battle with Oesophagus Cancer.
“He was extremely well taken care of by many across Ipswich Hospital. It felt so rewarding to do this with my extremely supportive friend and I know my dad would be so proud of us.” Grace said. Their fundraising total currently stands at £1,799.
Abi Cracknell dressed as a kangaroo representing Kangaroo care for babies and fundraising for the neonatal unit.
Sandra Gosney, the charity’s community fundraising and events manager said, “We’re thrilled with the incredible amount of support received. The participants showed exceptional courage and determination, and their efforts will mean a great deal to patients and their families.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported our event, including our sponsors Barnes Construction, suppliers, volunteers, our grateful patients and their families who gave back and made it all a huge success, we can’t thank them enough.”
For more information about the charity and upcoming events, visit the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity website.
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