Bradford youngsters challenged to brave hospital abseil for charity

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is calling on the city’s young daredevils to sign up to its superhero abseil to celebrate our NHS.

On Saturday 21 September, staff and members of the public will be abseiling 50ft down the side of Bradford Royal Infirmary dressed as superheroes in tribute to the hardworking NHS staff.

The daredevils are raising money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, which works in partnership with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide equipment, training, research and funds to enhance the hospital environment. This year, it is hoped young people across the city will sign up to support the charity’s Rays a Smile appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to make radiology services more child-friendly at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital.

Those gutsy enough to go over the edge can dress as any superhero they like – whether it’s Superman or a nurse who cared for them, Spiderman or the surgeon who saved their life. Many people taking part will also be dedicating the feat to friends and family who have shown bravery.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We would love to invite local schools and colleges into our hospital to experience the amazing camaraderie of the NHS.

“Students and their teachers are welcome to join us to celebrate our wonderful NHS and raise money to help us provide the very best care and treatment. Last year, St Anthony’s Primary School, Clayton, took part and everyone – including their head teacher – had a wonderful time!

“Our radiology departments in Bradford scan more than 20,000 children and young people every year, so your students will benefit from our plans to make radiology services more child-friendly. From creating a children’s waiting area to purchasing specialist kit for children and young people to watch films while they have an MRI – these changes will make the world of difference to the anxious young people who come into hospital for scans.

“We would love you to join us to go over the edge for our Rays a Smile appeal!”

If you would like more information about how your school, class or year group can get involved, please call Hayley Collis or Elaine Drake on 01274 274809 or email [email protected] Participants must be at least 10 years old.

You can also sign up via the charity website at https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/event/charity-superhero-abseil/