Todd in the Hole take the leap off The Lister to raise vital funds for the NHS.

Todd in the Hole festival team member, Emma Watts took a leap of faith and abseiled down the side of The Lister Hospital this weekend to raise money for the NHS.

The Lister Abseil challenge has raised more than £45,000 in total for the NHS - including Todd in the Hole's £2,500.

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.

"The Lister is such an important resource in our community," said Todd's Emma Watts who bravely abseiled down the side of the hospital that treats people from Hitchin and North Herts.

Courageous Todd in the Hole Team member, Emma added: "Most people who come to Todd in the Hole have been in the Lister or visited someone there.

"I spent time in hospital last year and am so grateful to the all of the NHS staff there. The least I can do is face some fears and help them raise vital funds."

The acclaimed, family-friendly summer festival in our area has once again supported the East & North Herts Hospitals Charity based at The Lister and The QE2.

This year they have been raising money for 'The Magic of Play Garden', a project to make over the existing outdoor space on The Bluebell Ward.  

With the funds raised from Emma's abseil and funds raised from collections and donations made by festival goers at the Todd in the Hole Festival, the charity would like to create a bright, fun, engaging and magical outdoor space suitable for all children, including those with sensory and complex needs. 

Funds raised could help the charity fund new fencing, sheds, flooring, seating/furniture, engaging artwork and murals, play equipment and outdoor toys, evergreen and sensory plants and flowers  

The bluebell ward supports 20 children/young people each day so the refreshed garden will benefit more than 7,000 children each year as well as being used by their siblings, parents and extended family who may visit them whilst staying on the ward.  

This appeal is a continuation of the support given by Todd in the Hole Festival where we supported Lister Hospital's SafeSpace appeal which is aiming to create a new SafeSpace room in the Children's Emergency Department for children in crisis and for those with mental health conditions or special/complex needs.

The room is currently being created and the Todd in the Hole team raised over £2,500 last year to go towards this project. 

The East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity team will once again be in attendance at Todd in the Hole Festival running a collection, giving out balloons and freebies and selling merchandise to raise vital funds for the garden. 

If you would like to support you can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-watts1998 or alternatively they can visit the charity's website www.enhhcharity.org.uk/magic-of-play-garden. 

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