Dozens of brave fundraisers took the plunge in Stevenage last week, raising an impressive £40,000 to support hospitals used by many Hitchin residents.

The annual Lister Abseil saw 118 participants descend an 11-storey tower block on 24 and 25 April, in aid of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity.

The charity supports patients and staff across several local sites, including Lister Hospital, Hertford County Hospital, New QEII Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

Among those taking part were former patients, NHS staff and members of the local community, many with personal reasons for signing up to the challenge.

Children's nurse Catherine Spreckley was one of those who went over the edge. She 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 50th birthday and what better challenge than abseiling down the hospital where I have spent almost half my 30-year career.

"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, modern space where we can give children and young people the very best care."

Colleagues from the neonatal unit and Lister Cancer Centre also took part, highlighting strong support from within the hospitals themselves.

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Charity director Eloise Huddleston thanked everyone involved, saying it was "fantastic to see so many people come together, many with very personal reasons for taking part".

She added that the money raised will go towards projects beyond core NHS funding, including new equipment, improved hospital environments and additional services for patients and families.

The event was supported by specialist provider Dolomite Training, which ensured the abseil was carried out safely.