In an incredible display of courage and community spirit, more than 130 hospital staff and members of the public conquered their fears by abseiling from the sixth floor of King's Mill Hospital. The daring feat successfully raised over £36,000 for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity.
A Bittersweet Triumph
The event was tinged with profound sadness, made possible by the determination of Ken Godber, the Head of Charity Development and Corporate Partnerships, who very unexpectedly passed away earlier this month. Ken was passionate about elevating the charity's profile and had spearheaded both the launch of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity lottery and the organisation of this very abseil.
The Trust dedicated the entire day to Ken's memory. His wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Holly, took part in the abseil, raising more than £2,000 in his honour. Richard Mills, Chief Financial Officer, paid a moving tribute to Ken, describing him as a 'brilliant colleague' and a 'family man' who cared deeply about the NHS.
Inspiring Participants Take the Plunge
Among the many inspiring stories was that of 74-year-old ex-miner Timothy Warnes and his 17-year-old granddaughter, Holly Warnes. Timothy, who underwent bowel cancer surgery at King's Mill Hospital in 2024 and now volunteers there as a buggy driver, took on the challenge with his granddaughter.
Holly, who spent two weeks in the same hospital with meningitis in 2023, was eager to give back. She said, "I want to give back to the hospital. They have done a lot for so many people... It was really special because I got to do this with my grandad." The adventurous pair are no strangers to fundraising feats, having previously completed a parachute jump together.
Another participant, 45-year-old Kerrianne Bone from Mansfield, abseiled as a thank you for the care she received for breast cancer. In a remarkable turn of timing, she completed the abseil on a Saturday and underwent her reconstruction surgery the following Monday.
Supporting the NHS Beyond Core Funding
The funds raised will go to the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, which supports King's Mill, Newark, and Mansfield Community hospitals. The charity finances projects that improve the lives of patients, visitors, and staff, going above and beyond what the NHS can fund.
The event was run in partnership with Big Bang Experiences. For those still wishing to contribute, the JustGiving page will remain open until December 12. Cash donations and sponsorship forms can also be handed in at the Community Involvement Hub at King's Mill Hospital by the same date.
