More than 100 people took part in our annual Lister Abseil on 23 March, raising an incredible £55,000.

Staff, former patients and members of the local community who wanted to thank the hospital for their care, abseiled down the iconic 11-storey Lister Hospital tower block.

Chair of the charity and former GP and medical director, Dr David Buckle, took part. He said: “I am passionate about the NHS and supporting our hospitals so I thought as charity chair, I should lead by example and brave the famous Lister Abseil.

“It was terrifying, but also thrilling. What a fantastic way to see Lister Hospital and its surrounding area! I recommend it to everyone.

“I’m also delighted that the event raised so much money. East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity does great work supporting patients, families and staff at our hospitals and this will make such a difference. Thank you to everyone who took part.”

Eloise Huddleston, director of the charity added: “It was such a brilliant day. Thank you to all our brave abseilers and everyone who supported them.

“We have heard some very touching stories about why people wanted to do the abseil and seen people really battling nerves beforehand but desperate to take part. Our oldest abseiler this year was an incredible 83-years-old. He absolutely loved it and was one of the speediest of the day!

“We are thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount of money to support our wonderful NHS teams in the care they give to patients.

“The funds will help support important projects such as providing the latest equipment, making improvements to indoor and outdoor spaces and services such as the Butterfly Volunteers who give care and companionship to patients at the end of life. Thank you again.”

Thank you to Dolomite Training for running the abseil and making everyone feel safe and really enjoy the event. Thanks also to Jim Coote and Lee Wilkinson for their fantastic videos and photographs and giving up their time to support the event. Thank you also to Peabodys for kindly letting us take over their area on the day.