Inspirational charity thrill-seekers raise more than £45,000 for NHS after 'terrifying' Lister Hospital abseil

The Lister Abseil challenge has raised more than £45,000 for the NHS - with the prospect of more to come.

Around 100 people including NHS staff, former patients and supporters from our local North Herts community took part in the challenge which took place on Sunday (March 26), determined to raise funds to thank a hospital department.

Chief nurse at the Trust, Theresa Murphy, who has raised more than £1,800 in sponsorship, abseiled down the 11-storey building.

Chief nurse, Theresa Murphy, with chief people officer, Thomas Pounds, at the Lister Abseil which has raised more than £45,000 for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity PICTURE CREDIT: East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity

Theresa said afterwards: "It was absolutely terrifying but I loved it. 

"I only started at the Trust in the summer but I have already seen how our charity helps our hospitals be even better so I felt had to take on this challenge to support them. 

"Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I'm surprised, and delighted, to have raised so much. This will help ensure our wonderful NHS staff continue to give exceptional care to all our patients." 

The cash will go to East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity which supports the four hospitals of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust – Hertford County Hospital, Lister Hospital, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and New QEII Hospital.  

Beth McNeil, the charity's head of fundraising, added: "Thank you to everyone who took part in the abseil. It was an incredible day and we are absolutely thrilled the event raised this fantastic amount.  

"We heard some lovely stories from people who were taking part to thank our wonderful NHS teams. It makes me very proud.  

"The funds raised will help us continue to support these wonderful teams so they continue to go above and beyond for all our patients." 

"If you are thrill-seeker, we hope you will join us next year!"