Finley’s big descent: Tackling the Tower for Broomfield Hospital

14-year-old Finley Ranson from Battlesbridge is going to amazing lengths to raise funds for Broomfield Hospital, where he has received care since he was just seven-days old.

After a long wait to reach the minimum charity abseil age, Finley will at last take on our popular Tackle the Tower abseil. The abseil which takes place on Saturday 17 May welcomes fearless fundraisers to abseil Southend Hospital’s tower block in support of a ward or department that means something to them.

In Finley’s case, he has chosen to raise funds, along with six members of his family and friends for the Phoenix Children’s ward at Broomfield Hospital. The ward, which he describes as being like a second home (but sometimes kind of boring!) provides Finley with an infusion direct to his heart twice a week, every week, his appointments each take between six and eight hours.

Finley was born with a nameless condition so rare that specialists are unaware of anyone else with the same diagnosis in the world. His condition means that he has a severe lipid allergy and has never been able to eat.

At just 14 years old, Finley is resilient, remarkably strong, and still a teenager at heart. Excited for the challenge ahead, he said, “I’ve wanted to do this abseil for so long—to thank the nurses who have cared for me and to give back to the children’s ward. But most of all, I want to reach the ground faster than anyone else in my group!’

He added, ‘My mum did it in 2023 and said she was petrified—I’m confident I’ll make it down the tower much faster than she did.”

Finley’s incredible mum, Rhys, took on the abseil challenge in 2023. While she’s not signing up again this year, she shared her excitement, saying, “I’m so pleased that Finley now has the chance to take on this abseil. We’re hoping that, through fundraising for this challenge, we can reach a total of £25,000—something my family, friends, and I have passionately worked towards over the years in gratitude for the amazing team at Broomfield Hospital.”

The annual abseil, now in its tenth year will be held on Saturday 17 May. To find out all you need to know about the abseil, and to register, visit: www.msehospitalscharity.co.uk Registration is charged at £45 per person with a minimum fundraising target of £100.