Charity abseil challenge raises £46,000

A North East charity initiative has raised thousands of pounds after bringing communities together for a unique fundraising challenge.

Newcastle Hospitals Charity partnered with Chuf (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) to launch the inaugural ‘Heroes on the Hospital Walls’ event, held across two days.

The event saw more than 200 participants, including patients, staff, families and corporate supporters, take on a 70ft abseil down a hospital building.

The challenge was designed to honour the courage and resilience of children cared for at the Great North Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital.

Katy Wilson, pictured below, a therapeutic radiographer at the Freeman Hospital, who took on the challenge in memory of her cousin Lilly, who sadly died in 2025, said, before taking on the challenge: “I’m nervous but excited to be doing it for such a good cause. 

“I wanted to do something to raise money and to do this in the place where we spent so much time with Lilly while she was receiving treatment makes it even more special.” 

Seb Hollingsworth, a patient at the Freeman Hospital for most of his life, said, ahead of his abseil: “Chuf is my family’s way of saying thank you to the doctors and nurses who saved my life. 

“I hope me abseiling and raising some money can contribute to that gratitude. 

“I’m feeling excited about it and think it will be really fun and enjoyable.”

Funds raised will support both charities, helping to enhance care, provide specialist equipment and improve experiences for young patients and their families.

The event has so far generated more than £46,000, highlighting strong regional support for children’s healthcare services.

Emma McQuitty, campaign officer at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, added: “It was amazing to see so many people take part in our first ‘Heroes on the Hospital Walls’ event and we are so grateful to everyone who took part. 

“The funds raised will contribute to a range of projects that support patients and their families across our children’s services.”

Shannon Hands, community and volunteer fundraiser at Chuf, added: “It was a brilliant day and really special to see so many people come together in support of two incredible local causes. 

“To us, it was more than just an abseil event – it was a tribute to bravery, resilience and hope. 

“The funds raised will make a real difference where it matters most, right here in the North East.”

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