Dozens of people undertook an abseil challenge on Saturday to support the Boudicca Appeal for a new dedicated breast cancer unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The abseil team taking the plunge included ITV Anglia presenter Becky Jago, MP Clive Lewis, NNUH staff and members of the public.
The abseil down The Forum in Norwich, organised by the N&N Hospitals Charity, is part of a series of fundraising events throughout the year trying to raise £800,000 for the new unit.

Some abseilers were doing it to raise money for other departments in the hospital too. A

round 50 people took part in all, including a few passers-by who signed up to join in on the spur of the moment and it is hoped that £10,000 will be raised once all the monies are collected.
One of them, Janet Frank – a staff nurse at NNUH – was receiving treatment for breast cancer this time last year.

“I wanted to do the abseil because I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2017, when I was 56. It was such a shock to hear you have cancer.”

“I was having my treatment at NNUH this time last year,” she said. “I had treatment until October, luckily I was all right. I had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

“My cancer was found on a mammogram. I want to encourage people to have regular scans – it’s so important to highlight it. The new breast cancer unit will be brilliant.”

After the abseil, Janet, who works on Cringleford ward, said: “It was brilliant – I did it twice!”

And the reaction of 79-year-old abseiler Win Wade was: “Brilliant! It was lovely, really enjoyed it. I’m always up for a bit of an adventure.”

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re grateful to all abseilers, volunteers and professionals who made this a wonderful day.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the abseil, including those who joined on the day, or provided a donation. Money will not only help the Boudicca Appeal but also other parts of the hospital.”

Find out more about the charity here.