Charity abseil raises thousands for hospital block

Senior midwife Pauline Yamfam and her son Matthew-Paul were among those to complete the challenge

More than 90 people have taken part in an abseil down the side of a new wing of a hospital to raise money for charity.

The event on Sunday, at the Acute Services Block of the Luton and Dunstable (L&D) Hospital, raised more than £64,000 for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity.

Among the participants were nurses, doctors, midwives, executives, volunteers, former patients' families and local community leaders.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity will use the money to provide enhanced furnishings, patient comfort items, artwork, and cutting-edge equipment in the building. Sarah Amexheta from the charity said: "This amazing event shows just how committed our local community is to our hospitals."

She added that the money raised "will go directly to making sure patients and staff benefit from the very best possible environment in our new Acute Services Block."

Money raised will go towards services in the state-of-the-art new block which is due to open later this year

Many of those who abseiled down the 100ft exterior were doing the activity for the first time.

"It was terrifying but exhilarating – and worth every second to support such an important cause," said Pauline Yamfam, senior midwife and maternity ward manager.

"I have worked at the L&D for over 22 years, and I know this new block will transform how we deliver care. I wanted to do something memorable to help get it off to the best possible start."

The new Acute Services Block brings together key services such as critical care, theatres, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and maternity wards under one modern roof.

It is scheduled to open later this year for patients.

With sponsorships and donations still coming in, it is expected that the total amount of money raised will go up further in the coming days.

Senior midwife Pauline Yamfam said she completed the challenge with her eldest son, Matthew-Paul, who was also born at the hospital, "so a full circle moment for us!"