Anna Turley, the Member of Parliament for Redcar, has abseiled 100ft down the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Marske teenager Georgina Anderson.
There were also eight of Georgina’s close friends taking part in the abseil. For all of them, it was the first time back to the hospital since visiting Georgina during her cancer treatment there.
The hospital, based at the RVI in Newcastle, houses Teenage Cancer Trust’s specialist unit – the local centre of excellence for cancer care – treating 13-18 year olds from Teesside and across the North East.
The event was kicked off by Paul and Helen Anderson, the parents of Georgina Anderson, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in July 2013 after going to the doctors with stomach pains. She underwent chemotherapy but sadly passed away 4 months later.
Georgina’s bravery, positivity and musical talent were an inspiration to so many as she battled the disease and shared her amazing voice with the world.
Since her death in November 2013, Georgina’s family and friends have raised tens of thousands of pounds in her memory.
Anna has chosen Teenage Cancer Trust as her Charity of the Year 2015/16 in Georgina’s memory. The abseil is one of several challenges and events Anna and her team are taking part in to raise money for the charity – they have raised more than £1200 to date.
Anna said:
“We had an amazing day doing the abseil and are really proud to have done it in memory of Georgina who was such an inspiration. It was great to be taking part alongside many of Georgina’s friends who were a huge support to Georgina and who have continued to do so much in memory of their friend.
It was a bit grim dangling from the top of the hospital and I was shaky when I reached the ground but I made it down and am pleased to have completed the challenge for such a great cause.
Teenage Cancer Trust do amazing work supporting young people at a difficult time of their lives and the money we have raised will help that work continue.
A huge thanks to Georgina’s family Helen, Paul & Joe for supporting us, to my office team for braving it with me, and to everyone who sponsored us.”
Georgina’s parents Paul and Helen said:
“It was inspirational and heart-warming to see so many people taking on this ‘character building’ challenge in Georgina’s honour. The fact that it is the first time it’s ever been done at the hospital makes it extra special. Georgina would be both thrilled that people are doing this for her, but would also find it incredibly amusing. She would be laughing!
The facilities and support provided by the Teenage Cancer Trust made a big difference to Georgina and to us as a family, and being there on Sundayreminded us of the amazing positive vibes surrounding the ward and staff. We are pleased that money is still being raised in Georgina’s honour, to allow the Teenage Cancer Trust to assist more sick young people.”
Louise Miles, Fundraising Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust in the North East & Cumbria, said: “Seeing so many people come out on a Sundaymorning to take part in the abseil and support young people with cancer was incredible. We are so grateful to Anna, her team, and everyone who took part and who has donated. We can only achieve our goal of reaching every young person with cancer with the help of such amazing supporters like these.”
Anna and her team plan are planning their next fundraising challenge – cycling the coast to coast this summer. Their JustGiving page is available here if you would like to donate.