Hospice in need of supporters to take on abseil challenge

St. Joseph’s Hospice is asking for support from anyone who would like to take on an adrenaline-fueled challenge in the heart of Liverpool this summer.

On Saturday 23rd July, a team of hospice supporters will abseil 150ft down the great west door of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral to raise valuable funds for the hospice.

One of last year’s participants, Angela Lund from Fazakerley, signed up to pay tribute to her dad Albie Smart. Albie passed away at the hospice in 2019 and Angela wanted to take on the abseil challenge to say thank you to all the hospice staff who looked after him and her whole family during what was a very difficult time.

Angela said: “The abseil was an incredible experience and was well worth it. My whole family was there to watch and when I reached the bottom we all raised a glass to my dad to celebrate.”

Angela and her family have been supporters of the hospice since the 1980s when Albie used to visit a good friend at the hospice. Ever since, they have held raffles and social events and sold Christmas and Easter toys to raise money. When the hospice launched its lottery in 2001, Albie became its first lottery canvasser, which he continued for 15 years.

Angela continued: “We were so relieved that dad manage to spend his final days at the hospice. He was only there for a few days but the love and care we all received at that time was incredible and so I wanted to take on this challenge to say thank you.”

Maxine Armstrong, head of fundraising and lottery at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Angela, and all of last year’s participants, for taking on this fantastic challenge. Now, after two years of pandemic and a huge drop in donations already this year, we desperately need the support of our local communities once again.

“Please show your support but signing up to next month’s Liverpool Cathedral Abseil and help us to continue providing vital end of life hospice care to families and individuals from across our area.”

To register, please contact the fundraising team on 0151 932 6044 or email events@stjhospice.org.uk. Registration for the Liverpool Cathedral Abseil costs £60 and the minimum sponsorship required is £150.