OVER 80 people abseiled down the side of Basingstoke hospital dressed as Santa, to raise thousands for charity.
On Saturday, November 18, all participants eagerly made their way down the building dressed as Father Christmas, elves and even a Grinch.
Across five hours, those dressed as Santa could be seen descending from the top of Basingstoke’s main hospital building which stands at nearly 75 feet high.
Throughout the day, families and friends watched from the ground cheering in support whilst live radio broadcasting kept the energy high with tunes from Hospital Radio Basingstoke.
READ MORE: Basingstoke Crematorium to hold Christmas carol service
Amongst those abseiling were Hampshire Hospitals’ chief operating officer Andy Hyett and associate directors of nursing Louise Fox and Katrina Mason who all suited up and got fundraising to support the cause.
The event was all in aid of Hampshire Hospitals Charity and has so far raised a total of £23,125.
Andy Hyett said: “What a fantastic experience and an even better result for our charity. Everyone’s spirits were so high on the day and it was an amazing atmosphere from start to finish.
“I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who got involved, donated or supported in any way. All funds raised for the charity help us to make a huge difference for our patients and their families and you’ve helped us to continue to do that.”
Every pound donated to Hampshire Hospitals Charity is spent on improving, innovating and investing in hospital services to help the trust to provide outstanding care for patients.
One participant was former borough council leader Cllr Simon Minas-Bound, he said: "Huge thank you to Hampshire Hospitals Charity for a brilliant event.
"The charity does so much well-needed work to support visitors and staff at the hospitals."
The charity has already revealed they will be hosting another festively themed adventure fundraiser for Christmas 2024.
To make a donation in support of the abseil, you can visit justgiving.com/campaign/abseil-into-christmas
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