Braving the wind and rain
Audrey and Brian Berryman from Oxford – aged 88 and 87 – braved heavy rain and strong winds to abseil the 100 feet from the top of the Women's Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Audrey – who worked as a medical secretary until retiring aged 72 – explained: "I read about this abseil and thought this is something I can do and something I should do – even though I am very scared of heights. It was a small thank you for the wonderful treatment we have both received."
Brian, a former WW2 pilot, added: "It was cold, it was wet, it was windy, but it was fun. I was really proud of Audrey, as it was quite demanding really, because of the weather, and Audrey has never liked heights – but she was like something out of the SAS the way she came down that wall."
He added: "but we were just two of over 60 people who took part and everyone did so well. People have been very, very generous and kind. It shows how warm-hearted the people of Oxfordshire are and how much they appreciate the hospital services they have.”
Audrey and Brian – who have both been treated for bowel cancer – raised £1,000 between them, with the event raising over £16,000 for heart and cancer causes at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals.
Also taking part in the hospital abseil, raising funds for the Heart Centre, was Irene Davidson from Stanford in the Vale together with her son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Vicky. Irene lost her husband, Ray, a year ago, after he battled with heart disease for nine years. She remembers watching last year's abseil when Ray was in hospital and wanted to mark his loss in a positive way.
She explained: "I abseiled with a picture of my husband from our wedding day in my locket, so I really felt he was here, by my side, with me every step. It was wonderful to be able to remember him this way. I really enjoyed the abseil and would certainly do one again."
51 year old Deborah Clements from Wantage abseiled with her husband, David. She was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2001, and wanted to celebrate 10 years of beating the cancer. She was surrounded by friends and family who cheered as she confidently scaled the wall.
Spokesperson for the hospital charity, Sarah Vaccari, said: "Watching all these wonderful people battling with the wind and the rain to complete the abseil was so inspiring. This event was very important because so many of those taking part were celebrating their own survival or remembering a loved one. Between them they have raised over £16,000 and we are incredibly grateful for such tremendous support."
Graham Brodgen, Head of Community Fundraising, added: "We have been doing these abseils for many years now and never cease to be amazed by the courage shown by those taking part. Fundraising for our local hospitals is so important as it allows us to go that extra mile for our patients, providing additional equipment and facilities that go beyond what the NHS can do alone."
The next hospital abseil will support the Children's Hospital, and takes place on Sunday 18 September.
Find out more about fundraising for your local hospital:
Contact: Sarah Vaccari
Contact Details:
sarah.vaccari@orh.nhs.uk|