Ripples make waves: Alena’s inspiring abseil in memory of her mum
Alena Grant, 24 from Southend is one incredibly inspiring young woman. Describing herself as terrified of heights, she is preparing to step off the 154ft Southend Hospital tower block on Saturday 16 May, in memory of her mum and to support the ward that cared for her.
Alena is raising funds for Southend Hospital’s renal unit, where her mum was treated for many years for a renal condition. She and her sister, Charlotte spent a lot of time on the ward, often celebrating birthdays, Christmases and Mother’s Days there with her mum. She remembers the staff not only caring for her mum with compassion, but also supporting her and Charlotte.
Alena’s mum sadly died in 2023, leaving Alena, then just 21, as guardian to ten‑year‑old Charlotte, now 13. Despite being “terrified of heights,” Alena says taking on the abseil feels like the right thing to do.
Alena said: “I want to do this to honour my mum and to show my sister that you can do anything, even the things that scare you. I’ve seen how quickly health can change, and how any one of us might suddenly need hospital care. I never want anyone to feel alone or without comfort during that time. This is my way of giving back, because I truly believe that ripples make waves.”
She added that her family are strongly behind her fundraising: “Mum was so brave, and everyone loved her – she chatted to everyone. If she were here, she’d definitely be doing this with me!”
Alena won’t be tackling the tower alone. Her partner Jamie, also from Southend, will join her, raising funds for Broomfield Hospital’s Billericay ward, where Alena’s grandad received care during throat cancer treatment.“Their support meant everything,” Alena said. “Grandad’s strength inspired us all – he’s now a fit and healthy 75‑year‑old.”
Elise Fleetwood, Events and Corporate Relations Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “Alena’s courage and determination is beyond inspiring. Fundraisers like Alena and Jamie help us provide those important extra touches that make a real difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals. We can’t wait to cheer them on.”
Our annual Tackle the Tower abseil gives supporters the chance to descend the Southend Hospital tower block while raising funds for any ward or department across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday 16 May.
Registration: £50
Sponsorship target: £100
Click here to register today: Tackle the Tower 2026 registration