Daring fundraisers completed a thrilling abseil down an iconic building – in the process raising nearly £19,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The charity challenge saw participants start 150 feet in the air and then descend 80 feet from the tower of the historic St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
They were cheered on by crowds of friends, family and supporters gathered below in the Abbey Gardens.
The group included individuals of all ages and backgrounds, united by a shared goal to help raise vital funds and awareness for EACH.
Events Fundraiser Ellie Nevard said: “It was a huge success, and the atmosphere was so positive and wholesome.
“We’re proud and grateful to everyone who took part and those who came along to support them.
“I was impressed by the number of family and friends that turned out to support our abseilers, and there was so much clapping and cheering.
“It really added to the atmosphere, creating a strong sense of community spirit and helping generate a real buzz.
“Events like this are not only fantastic fundraisers – they also help raise vital awareness of the care and support EACH provides.”
Ellie added she was grateful to the staff from St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
“They’ve been so welcome and positive, ever since we started arranging this abseil,” she said.
“There’s always an element of the unknown when you arrange a new event, and this was something we’d never done before at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
“However, the team there really played their part in making it such a success, and there was so much enthusiasm from the public.
“We had 48 spaces, and they sold out quickly. We then had a waiting list of more than a dozen people, so there was clearly a real appetite for a fundraiser of this nature. Hopefully it’s something we can repeat in 2026.”
The event, which raised just over £18,800, was kindly sponsored by Tuff Stuff.
Meanwhile, EACH is organising another brand-new event this coming Saturday when it hosts its first-ever Mini Pier 2 Pier.
The family-friendly 3.5-mile route will start and finish at Southwold Pier, taking participants past beach huts, boats and more during a picturesque walk around the Suffolk town.
An activity pack is available at the start and filled with fun things to look out for along the way.
Any age can take part in the event, and the route is accessible for all-terrain pushchairs.
For more details and to book, head here.
Pictures: Glenn Hands/EACH
