Adventurers are being invited to scale great heights whilst enjoying a view of Birmingham as they raise money for St Giles Hospice in an abseil challenge. Fundraisers will descend more than 100ft down the seven-story Green Man Wall on the Custard Factory building in Digbeth on Saturday,15th October.
Zoe Wright, Events Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “You’ll enjoy unique views of Selfridges, the Bullring and the Birmingham city centre skyline and your fundraising will make a big difference to local people, and their families, living with a terminal illness. You don’t need any training or special skills – just bring your bravery!”
Gemma Thompson, 38, took part in the 2021 St Giles abseil in memory of her father, Paul Hatchcroft, who received Hospice at Home care after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020. For her, St Giles provided invaluable support, not only for her dad, but for the rest of the family throughout his illness.
She said: “After taking part in the abseil last year, I’m doing it again this year with my husband, Jonathan. I have two motivations for taking part really; to raise awareness of the exceptional support St Giles Hospice provides to families like mine and to conquer my fear of heights.
“When I’m at the top of the building waiting for my abseil down, I’ll be thinking of my dad. He always used to say “Be happy and do something to make you smile.”
“The nurses were absolutely amazing in supporting my dad in his final days and the rest of our family. They explained to us everything that was happening, but in a way that we would understand.
“As well as my dad being poorly, we were also in the middle of a pandemic – the Hospice at Home nurses always acted with such professionalism and made what was already a very scary time, that little bit easier.”
Entry to the abseil is £25, with a minimum sponsorship target of £75. The Green Man Wall is a short 13-minute walk from Birmingham New Street train station and 11 minutes from Birmingham Moor Street. To sign up, visit: www.stgileshospice.com/abseil.
