A 78-year-old daredevil is gearing up to abseil 135 feet down Ipswich Hospital’s towering Maternity Block to raise vital funds to thank staff for the care they provided to his wife.
Rodney Bradbrook, who volunteers at Ipswich Hospital, will take part in the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Extreme Abseil in July to raise money for cancer wellbeing, information and support services.
Rodney Bradbrook with his late wife, Janice.
He is taking on the challenge to thank the hospital for the care staff gave his wife Janice before she passed away from myeloma, which is a type of bone marrow cancer.
“I love being a volunteer at Ipswich Hospital and helping people the best I can,” said Rodney, who lives in Ipswich. “Janice was a lovely person and my rock. We had been married for over 58 years before I had to give up work and care for her.
“The team at Ipswich Hospital worked hard to try and get her better but there wasn’t anything more they could do. I’m taking part in the abseil to raise money so that others can benefit from the support I received. I’m really looking forward to it.”
This year’s event takes place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July at Ipswich Hospital. It will raise funds to support patients, staff, visitors and volunteers at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals and a range of community health services.
Ipswich Hospital volunteer, Rodney Bradbrook
People taking part will abseil down the side of the hospital’s maternity block while taking in stunning views of the surrounding area. The event is open to anyone over the age of 16, and no previous experience is necessary.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this Extreme Abseil event at Ipswich Hospital,” said Cait Pilkington, the charity’s events fundraising manager. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to challenge themselves while raising funds for a great cause. We encourage anyone who would like to take on a challenge to sign up, or support Rodney and our other participants by sponsoring them.”
To sponsor Rodney, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Rodney-Bradbrook.
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