Abseil at Sunderland Royal raises more than £5K

City Hospitals Sunderland Charity ran its second abseil in April, with 21 staff and members of the public taking the challenge. Once again it was a great day for the daring fundraisers with the Trust’s Fire and Safety Team making sure it was a resounding success and keeping everyone safe.

In total, the fundraisers are expected to raise in the region of £5,000 for causes across the Trust, from caring for those living with dementia supported by the Alexandra Centre to those receiving treatment on Ward C36 for head and neck cancers.Yitka Graham, who works jointly with the Trust and the University of Sunderland, took on her fear of heights to fundraise for bariatric services, of which she is a researcher.

Yitka hits her stride coming down Sunderland Royal.

Terri took part with Maria, Mollie and Helen to raise £1,400 together for the Alexandra Centre.

Yitka Graham, who works jointly with the Trust and the University of Sunderland, took on her fear of heights to fundraise for bariatric services, of which she is a researcher.

“I feel great about facing my fear of heights head on; I had some very heartfelt support from my friends and colleagues in the Trust but my favourite came from Melanie Johnson (Director of Nursing and Quality) who completed the abseil last year; she told me not to look down.

“It might seem obvious, but those were the words I had in my head as I stood at the edge of the building. The atmosphere was magic, almost surreal, and the support from the hospital, the people who turned up to support all of us and of course my fellow abseilers really made the day.

“I love being a part of the CHS team; I have been affiliated to this hospital for the last 25 years – the last 6 as an honorary member of staff and it was a chance to give something back. With our patients, we have decided to use the funds I raised to support a research study into the sexual and reproductive health of bariatric patients.

Patients have told me that this is an area that it important to them, and they have given me a list of issues they would like to incorporate into the research. Our patients have spoken and we are listening.”

Yitka has managed to raise £723 which is an amazing achievement, while volunteers and friends of Sunderland Cancer Support Centre have raised more than £2,800 to support those accessing the service. Teams from the Alexandra Centre, Cardiology, and Wards C36, E36 and Paediatrics also took part.

To date the abseilers have raised more than £5,000 together. Staff and the public are already excited for July’s abseil, with 10 fundraisers already signed up including. If you would like to take part visit our event page.