More than 100 people have taken part in an abseil down Stevenage's Lister Hospital, raising £55,000 for Hertfordshire hospitals.
Staff, former patients and members of the community abseiled down the 11-storey tower block on Saturday (March 23), in aid of the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity.
The organisation supports Lister Hospital as well as Hertford County Hospital, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City.
Dr David Buckle - chair of the charity and former GP - took part in the annual event, commenting: “I am passionate about the NHS and supporting our hospitals so I thought as charity chair, I should lead by example and brave the famous Lister Abseil.
“It was terrifying, but also thrilling. What a fantastic way to see Lister Hospital and its surrounding area! I recommend it to everyone.
“I’m also delighted that the event raised so much money. East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity does great work supporting patients, families and staff at our hospitals and this will make such a difference. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
Eloise Huddleston, director of the charity, added: "It was such a brilliant day. Thank you to all our brave abseilers and everyone who supported them.
“We have heard some very touching stories about why people wanted to do the abseil and seen people really battling nerves beforehand but desperate to take part.
"Our oldest abseiler this year was an incredible 83-years-old. He absolutely loved it and was one of the speediest of the day!
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“We are thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount of money to support our wonderful NHS teams in the care they give to patients.
“The funds will help support important projects such as providing the latest equipment, making improvements to indoor and outdoor spaces and services such as the Butterfly Volunteers who give care and companionship to patients at the end of life. Thank you again.”
Further information about the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity can be found at www.enhhcharity.org.uk
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