As many of you know, my sister Ali was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023. Ali had 25 sessions of radiotherapy at Guy’s Cancer centre in 2024 where the personalized support was invaluable. She then had two surgeries at St Thomas’ hospital later that year. So when she mentioned she was going to abseil down the 12 floors of St Thomas’ hospital to raise money for Guy’s Cancer Charity I didn’t take much persuading to join her and help support the incredible NHS staff and exceptional healthcare provided by Guy's Cancer.

On reflection I should really have known better…. Ali spent over 6 weeks on the 11th floor of St Thomas’ when things didn’t quite go to plan (and far too many hours in A&E between stays) so I spent 6 weeks waiting endlessly for lifts or trekking up the stairs to visit her, meaning I’m well aware of how high above London we are going to be. The views are amazing, looking out from the relative comfort of the ward...

It would be fantastic if you could support us in our madness, to make sure we do go over the edge on 25 September. I feel incredibly grateful that I get to do things like this with Ali now, this time two years ago I don’t think I’d have been able to envisage this happening. So if we can help improve outcomes and treatment for more people it will be worth it.

Every penny of your donation will help to make a difference:

£10 could help run a virtual support group session, enabling patients and carers to share their experiences of cancer from the comfort of their own home.

£50 could help provide a comforting care package for someone receiving end of life care, helping to alleviate symptoms and soothe fears.

£150 could provide expert welfare and benefits advice for a patient experiencing financial hardship, giving them the freedom to focus on their recovery.

£350 can help invest in the latest surgical robotic technology, so expert surgeons can work with greater accuracy and send patients home to their families sooner.