More than 90 people have abseiled down the side of a new hospital wing in Bedfordshire to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The daring challenge took place on Sunday at the Acute Services Block of the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, with doctors, nurses, midwives, executives, volunteers and families of former patients among those taking part.
Over £64,000 was raised for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, which will fund patient comfort items, artwork, advanced medical equipment and furnishings in the new building.
Sarah Amexheta, from the charity, said the effort highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting the hospital. She said the money would help ensure patients and staff enjoy “the very best possible environment” when the new block opens later this year.
The abseil involved descending 100ft down the outside of the new building. Many participants were trying the activity for the first time, including senior midwife and maternity ward manager, Pauline Yamfam.
“It was terrifying but exhilarating – and worth every second to support such an important cause,” she said. “I have worked at the L&D for over 22 years and I know this new block will transform how we deliver care. I wanted to do something memorable to help get it off to the best possible start.”
She was joined by her eldest son, Matthew-Paul, who was born at the hospital. She described it as “a full circle moment” for her family.
The Acute Services Block will bring together critical care, theatres, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and maternity wards under one roof. It is part of a modernisation effort at the hospital, which has served the region for more than 80 years.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital, often known simply as the L&D, provides care for more than 350,000 people across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. With more than 3,400 staff, it is one of the largest employers in the area and has long been recognised for patient care, becoming a teaching hospital for University College London in 2012.
The hospital has a history stretching back to the 19th Century. Its predecessor, the Bute Hospital, opened in 1882 on land donated by the Marquis of Bute. The present site between Luton and Dunstable was built on land purchased from Electrolux and was officially opened by Queen Mary in 1939. Since then, it has seen numerous expansions and royal visits, including the Duke of Edinburgh opening a cardiac centre in 2013.
The abseil itself connects with a long history of rope descent techniques. Abseiling has been used for centuries, with body techniques described as far back as the 1400s. The modern rope descent was refined in the 19th century by mountaineers in the Alps. It has since become a popular fundraising challenge because of its mix of fear, exhilaration and spectacle.
For those taking part at the L&D, the thrill was balanced by the knowledge that their efforts will directly improve patient experiences.
With sponsorships and donations still coming in, organisers expect the final total to surpass the £64,000 already raised. The funds will help ensure that the new Acute Services Block not only delivers world-class medical care but also provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and staff alike.
