Rowcroft Hospice has announced that its adrenalin-fuelled fundraising challenge, Over the Edge – ‘The Drop’, will return to its grounds on Saturday 7 April 2018.
Earlier this year 97 people descended 100ft from the side of a crane in Rowcroft’s first event of its kind, raising an amazing £27,388 for local families living with life-limiting illnesses.
Following the success of its sell-out 2017 event, the hospice is now inviting thrill seekers to complete the challenge in 2018 – with an added 50ft of height.
Daniel Robson, Rowcroft’s Events Manager, explained: “Over the Edge – ‘The Drop’ was a huge success in 2017, raising an incredible amount to support local families.
“For 2018 we wanted to really test the nerves of our fundraisers so have added an extra 50 foot of height to the crane – making the abseil one of the highest of its kind in the whole of the UK.”
As well as having to brave ‘The Drop’ all those who take part are asked to raise funds to help make every day the best day possible for people living with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon.
Daniel said: “Every year Rowcroft Hospice supports more than 2,000 people living with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon to spend precious time with their family and friends.
“But more than 70% of our funding comes from the local community so without your help we simply wouldn’t be able to continue providing our services to so many people facing the hardest days imaginable.”
Felicia Crosby, who took part in 2017’s event, said: “I wanted to support Rowcroft because I’ve had personal experience with friends and family of friends needing to use the service and I have witnessed the wonderful support and care the hospice provides; I wanted to do my little bit to help ensure that this invaluable service is able to continue.
“Going ‘over the edge’ was a cocktail of emotions…excitement, exhilaration, and that feeling of being on top of the world with a dollop of ‘stomach-in-mouth’ and ‘what on earth am I doing right now!?’”
For those thinking of signing up for 2018’s 150ft abseil, she added: “The day provides some great fun to share with friends or loved ones and the Rowcroft team are professional and organised. You will feel a real sense of accomplishment and of course all funds raised are contributing to a precious cause that touches most people’s hearts in some way.”
Those wishing to take part do not require any previous abseil experience. Daniel said: “Anyone who weighs up to a maximum of 18 stone, is of reasonable health and over the age of 12 can sign up to take part in this event. Full training will be provided on the day.”
Think you’re brave enough? Entry to Rowcroft’s Over the Edge abseil event costs just £15 for 12-16-year-olds and £25 for adults. For more information and to sign up, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/over-the-edge.