Tackle the Tower 2026: Over £25,000 raised by incredible abseilers

In May the charity team and a whole host of incredible supporters cheered for over 50 brave fundraisers as they took on Southend Hospital’s 154-foot tower block for the return of Tackle the Tower.

Now in its eleventh year, the event saw 52 participants – including NHS staff, supporters, and members of the local community – descend the iconic building to raise over £25,000 for Mid and South Essex hospitals. From first-time challengers to familiar faces, each abseiler showed incredible courage and commitment to supporting patient care.

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, to our longstanding supporters Ryan & Walsh, and to the amazing volunteers who helped make the day such a success.”

A firm favourite in our events calendar, Tackle the Tower once again proved to be a powerful way of bringing people together for causes close to their hearts, while raising funds to enhance services across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals as well services at our smaller community sites. This year, participants chose to support a wide range of areas including stroke services, cardiac care, renal services and our Dandelion end-of-life appeal.

Among those taking part was 24-year-old Alena Grant from Southend, who bravely faced her fear of heights in memory of her mum and to give back to the renal team who cared for her. 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.”

Thanks to the support of our sponsor Ryan & Walsh, every pound raised by participants will go directly towards supporting patients and staff – helping to fund equipment, facilities and services that go above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide.