Superhero abseil raises thousands for charity
More than £4,600 was raised for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity when 50 people took part in a daring abseil down the side of Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Friends, family and even patients watched from the zen garden as the daredevils abseiled 50ft from the roof.
Hayley Roberts, who works as a Therapy Assistant at Shipley Community Hospital, was determined to complete the abseil to thank the NHS for saving her life when she had heart surgery as a child. Despite her nerves, she completed the abseil dressed as Super Girl.
Ten-year-old Jacob Hodkinson wowed the crowds as he made the abseil look easy. Jacob was taking part to say thank you to the doctors and nurses who looked after his baby sister, who sadly passed away.
Just some of the staff taking part included Director of Governance and Corporate Affairs Tanya Claridge, Rosie Freeman, a Health Care Assistant from our Children’s Ward, Naz Suleman from the Newborn Hearing Screening Service, Occupational Health Manager Michael Cockayne and his son Sam. Sharron Batey from Project SEARCH did the abseil to raise money for the Neonatal Unit where
both her premature sons were cared for. She said: “I was excited, but very nervous going over the edge. But as I was looking down I just reminded myself of the reason I was doing it.”
Ninder Kaur, MDT Support Assistant from Cancer Services, did the abseil dressed as Bat Girl, and Harjinder Thiara, Medical Secretary from Anaesthetics and Pain Management, completed the challenge, along with colleague, Frances Bright to raise money for the Neonatal Unit. Harjinder’s daughter, Kamilla, passed away aged 14 months and, although she was cared for in Sheffield, Harjinder wanted to raise money to help other parents of children cared for in the Neonatal Unit.
Daisy Tucker, Assistant Psychologist from St Luke’s Hospital, took on the challenge, as did Jessica Passant, a presenter with Radio Royal. Jessica also interviewed some of the participants after they completed the abseil.
Finally, Ellie Dawber stole the show as she stood in for her mum, Chief Nurse Karen Dawber, who couldn’t take part due to injury.
Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for our Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “It was an amazing day of inspirational people – many of whom had to overcome their fears – raising money for a wonderful cause.
“The money we raise makes a real difference to the patients and staff who work tirelessly to treat and care for the people of Bradford. We can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”
Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event, including the many volunteers who also helped on the day.