Over 50 brave fundraisers took on Southend Hospital’s tower block over the weekend, raising an expected £25,000 to support local hospitals.
Now in its eleventh year, the popular ‘Tackle the Tower’ event saw 52 people descend the 154-foot building, including 10 members of staff from across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust hospitals and charity shops.
Organised by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, this year’s event is supporting a range of areas across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals including stroke services, cardiac care, and the Dandelion end-of-life appeal.
Among those taking part was Alena Grant, 24, from Southend, who faced her fear of heights to abseil in memory of her mum and raise funds for the renal unit that cared for her.
Speaking about taking on the abseil she said: “I can’t believe I actually made it all the way down – there were definitely a few tears on the way! I’m so proud I did it, especially in support of the renal teams who did so much for my mum, and for me and my younger sister.”
Also completing the abseil was Fiona Ryan, Southend Hospital’s Managing Director. She said: “My fear of heights is well known, so this was absolutely terrifying for me. As I made my descent, I focused on taking each step and not looking down. Reaching the ground felt like a huge personal achievement, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received for Southend’s maternity unit.”
All funds raised go directly towards enhancing patient care across the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, funding equipment, facilities and services beyond what the NHS alone can provide.
Elise Fleetwood, Events and Corporate Relations Manager for the charity, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Tackle the Tower return and bring so many people together in support of our hospitals. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, from those doing the abseil, to our longstanding event supporters, Ryan and Walsh and the amazing volunteers who helped make the day such a success.”
