Brave fundraisers went over the edge at this year’s Lister Abseil! 118 fearless participants took on the 11‑storey Stevenage tower block, descending the iconic landmark and raising an impressive £40,000 in support of our hospitals.

Among the abseilers were former patients and members of the local community who wanted to thank the hospital for their care. Trust colleagues from the neonatal unit and Lister Cancer Centre also took part, as well as children’s nurse Catherine Spreckley.

Catherine said: “That was fab! My legs were shaking uncontrollably going over the edge at the beginning but after that, I loved it!

“I wanted to take on a challenge for my 50^th birthday and what better challenge than abseiling down the hospital where I have spent almost half my 30-year career as a children’s nurse!

“I did it to support our new appeal called the Children's Big Build. We are raising funds to turn a new facility at Lister Hospital into a magical, beautiful, modern space where we can give children and young people the very best care. It is something I feel really passionate about.”

Eloise Huddleston, charity director, added: “A huge thank you to all our incredible abseilers and everyone who supported them. It was fantastic to see so many people come together, many with very personal reasons for taking part, and giving something back to our hospitals.

“The funds raised will help us support patients, families and staff at our hospitals by providing the latest equipment, improvements to inside and outside spaces and extra services that make being in hospital that much easier. These things make a real difference every day.

“Thank you again to everyone involved, and to Dolomite Training for ensuring the event was safe and enjoyable for all.”

Photos from the day can be viewed on our Facebook page.