A Southend resident is preparing to face her fear of heights by abseiling 154 feet down the tower block at Southend Hospital to raise money for charity on 16 May 2026.
Alena Grant, 24, has signed up for the Tackle the Tower event in memory of her late mother, who received long-term treatment at the hospital’s renal unit. Grant, who describes herself as terrified of heights, will be joined in the challenge by her partner, Jamie. He is taking part to raise funds for the Billericay ward at Broomfield Hospital, where his partner’s grandfather received care during treatment for throat cancer.
The renal unit at Southend Hospital played a significant role in the lives of Grant and her family, who often celebrated birthdays, Christmases, and Mother’s Days on the ward while her mother was a patient. Since her mother passed away in 2023, Grant has also taken on the role of guardian to her 13-year-old sister, Charlotte.
The Tackle the Tower event is organised by the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, which supports the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The funds raised through these events go toward patient comfort and care across hospitals in Basildon, Broomfield, and Southend.
The abseil is open to anyone aged 16 and over, with all necessary equipment provided. Registration costs £50, and participants are asked to reach a £100 sponsorship target. In its history, the popular community tradition has seen 676 people raise more than £270,000.
This event is one of three major fundraisers being hosted by the charity throughout the spring and summer of 2026. Other upcoming challenges include the Colchester Zoo Stampede 10K on 17 May 2026 and a nuclear races challenge on 18 July 2026.
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