A 78-YEAR-OLD cancer survivor is going over the edge to raise cash for a Kenton hospice.
Pensioner Joan Hope is a volunteer for St Luke's Hospice and is hoping to add to the money she has already raised for it.
She said: “I had a friend who died at the hospice last year and he was only 49 years old. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 12 years ago and the outlook wasn’t good, but I am still here so I would like to do this for St Luke’s.
“I've never done abseiling before, but I'm feeling OK about it. They've assured me it's safe so I'm just trying not to think about it – I'll just turn up and get it done and dusted.
“This is something I’ve fancied doing for years and I thought it was now or never. I just hope I don’t chicken out or get stuck at the event.”
The hospice, which costs £3 million a year to keep open, provides care for people with cancer and other serious diseases, and looked after around 500 new patients in 2010.
Zain Habib, 10, will also be negotiating the drop on February 19. The Newnham Junior School pupil has already raised over £200 and is hoping to double that in his bid to raise money.
Zain said: “I am excited but I've only done abseiling a few times before, so I'm a bit nervous.
“I just thought that it would be a good thing to make money for the hospice and I've never done anything like this before. By the way 100ft is seven floors high so I hope you raise some money for me!”
Also taking part is Harrow Community Radio presenter, Georgia Weston, who said she had close friends who had recently been bereaved by serious illness.
She said: “I used to work at Northwick Park Hospital and I have stood on the top and looked over the edge - it is quite a scary view down to the ground.
“Although I have never even considered doing something as extreme as abseiling before, the excitement of getting the chance to go over that edge grabbed me and I thought raising money for this wonderful charity would give me the perfect excuse.”
St Luke's are still appealing for people to take part in the event, which costs £20 to enter. To get involved click here or call Jemini on 0208 382 8018.
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