So, we've decided to be really brave and take on the mighty maternity tower at Ipswich Hospital by abseiling down it! It's 135 feet high, but every foot will count towards fundraising for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. We are taking on this challenge because both our children needed the care and medical provision from birth to teenagers that our wonderful NHS provides and it was time to do something to support their work.

I recall sitting on the SCUBU ward 13 years ago with my new born baby watching others abseil down the maternity block thinking one day I'll do that to repay my gratitude. Many years later, another weeks stay in SCUBU, several ambulance call outs and trips to a&e I could still never thank the NHS staff enough for all they've done for my family. With an incredible fear for heights, it took another recent trip to a&e and a passing comment to my husband saying, 'I recalled saying I'd do this many years ago', to finally take the leap of faith to do it. Well in fact, Andy booked it as a surprise! 

A casual chat one day and my great friend, Emma supportively agreed there is no way she could let me take on the challenge solo. Her fear of falling and my fear of heights make for a winning, if not comical,  combination. 

Emma here... After volunteering to team up with Jane so she doesn't take this on alone, I've been reflecting on how grateful I am for the support my children have received from Ipswich hospital. From the eventful birth of my son, to the operations and illnesses that found us back at the hospital on several occasions. Every time, both my child and I received fantastic care and support, for which I'm eternally grateful. So a morning facing a phobia of falling, to raise money for such a worthwhile cause, is the least I can do. 

 The money raised will help to take care of patients and staff at our local hospitals and healthcare centres. With your support we can help provide the hospitals with the life-saving equipment and cutting-edge technology that can transform the healthcare available to our friends and family, when they need it most.