Two local politicians joined dozens of fundraisers to descend 212 feet down Derby Cathedral tower in an annual event raising money for hospital care. Derby South MP Baggy Shanker and Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson took part alongside NHS workers and local residents, with crowds of friends and family cheering from the base of the tower.
Funds to Support Patients and Staff
The money raised from the event will support projects that make hospital visits more comfortable for local patients and boost staff wellbeing, according to Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, which organises the abseil. The challenge serves as one of the major annual highlights for the dedicated healthcare fundraising team.
Jill Matthews, chief officer of Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to Baggy and Catherine for taking part in our annual abseil event and supporting our charity. It's always such a fantastic community atmosphere and this year, it's been great to see two of our local Derby MPs supporting our NHS hospital charity and making a difference to our patients and staff."
MPs Praise Community Spirit
Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, said: "Wow - what an incredible view of our city! But it was even better to see so many people at Derby Cathedral getting behind our local hospital charity. There was a real buzz as NHS staff, local residents and fundraisers took on the challenge together."
He added: "Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity helps fund those thoughtful extras that improve patients' experience and support the wellbeing of staff. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated or cheered us on - it was a fantastic show of support for a cause that means so much to our city."
Charity's Impact Highlighted
Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, commented: "The atmosphere at Derby Cathedral was fantastic. NHS staff, local fundraisers and supporters were all there for the same reason: to do something positive for patients and staff at our hospitals." She continued: "And I've seen first-hand what that support can achieve. I recently visited the sensory bay in the Children's Emergency Department, funded through Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity. It is helping young patients feel calmer and more comfortable during what can be an overwhelming experience. It's a brilliant example of the charity adding something extra for patients alongside the care provided by our NHS, and I'm grateful to everyone who took part today to help make more projects like it possible."
Jill Matthews added: "It's great to have Baggy and Catherine as supporters of our charity and we look forward to sharing more information, about our impact, with them in the future." To find out more about supporting the charity, visit www.dbhc.org.uk.
