Our charity abseil ‘Tackle the Tower’ proves to be a towering success in its ninth year

Over 60 brave fundraisers, including a local MP and councillors, abseiled hundreds of feet to raise thousands of pounds as part of our annual abseiling event Tackle the Tower event at Southend Hospital.

Now in its ninth year, the event saw a mixture of staff, former patients, as well as friends and relatives of patients descend 154 feet down the iconic tower block to raise money for causes close to their hearts.

As a favourite event of ours and the community, the abseil once again proved to be a huge success in raising vital funds to help enhance patient care.

Elise Fleetwood, our Events Manager, said: “We’ve been holding this amazing event for almost a decade and in that time previous Tackle the Towers have raised over an incredible £200,000! And that money has made a huge difference over that time.

“This year has been no different, we are so grateful to everyone taking part and that people continue to support Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and the great work we do. It’s been so great to see so many of our longstanding supporters, as well as those new to our charity.”

One of those taking part was Paul Fox, 87 from Rochford (photographed, above), who abseiled for the Oral and Maxillofacial department at Southend Hospital. Paul received treatment from the department following a diagnosis of tongue cancer. He said: “I received such great care from the team here at Southend Hospital, I’m taking on the abseil in thanks and to help others. You can’t guarantee tomorrow so with a challenge like this I thought ‘why not?’”

Fundraised amounts will go into ward and department charitable funds; these may contribute to purchases such as rehabilitation equipment for those that have experienced a stroke or to maternity bereavement for memory making items.  Many areas including Neonatal, Stroke rehabilitation units and Cancer care services will benefit from funds raised.

As well as fundraising for wards across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals, many opted to support the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal – the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation appeal has so far raised £400,000 of its £600,000 target to revolutionise radiotherapy delivery at Southend Hospital.

The event was sponsored by construction firm Ryan and Walsh, their support helps mean that every penny raised by abseilers will benefit the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.