Fearless fundraisers take on the Big QMC Abseil
Posted on: 8 Sep 2025
On Saturday 6 September our brave fundraisers faced their fears and stepped over the edge of Queen’s Medical Centre, abseiling 100ft in support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
The event brought together Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) staff, patients, supporters, and families – many of whom had a personal connection to the care provided at NUH and felt inspired to “give back.”
Holly Vincent, Community Fundraiser at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said:
“What a weekend! Huge thanks to everyone who braved the 100ft drop at our 2025 Queens Medical Centre Abseil – not forgetting the cheering supporters and stall holders helping keep spirits high on the ground for our fearless abseilers.
Year on year, this event gets bigger and better – how lovely to once again see people taking part to honour a loved one, raise money for a fund close to their hearts or – given the record number of on-the-day signups this year – just for the thrill of being able to say you’ve abseiled off the top of QMC!”
Among those taking on the challenge was NUH Chief Nurse, Tracy Pilcher, who rallied colleagues as part of “Team Fall Preventers.” Tracey said:
“We’re doing the abseil because we love NUH and the Charity, and we really appreciate all the work they are doing for us and for our patients. We want to give back.”
The day also saw families and friends stepping up together. Father-and-daughter duo Layla and Craig were cheered on by family and friends, with Layla making her descent dressed as a strawberry to celebrate her new role in the NUH Dietetics Team. Inspired by the atmosphere, her dad Craig signed up on the spot to abseil alongside her.
Other NUH colleagues came together as the Haemoglobinopathy Honeys – a team of staff, patients, and families from Haematology.
Alongside one of our Art Coordinators, Vikki Jones, they took on the challenge to raise funds for Arts at NUH and a new creative project designed to amplify the lived experiences of people with Sickle Cell and Thalassemia who receive care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Local businesses also showed their support. Staff from the Abbey Pub in Bulwell swapped pulling pints for pulling on harnesses, after hosting a series of fundraisers earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Building Society colleagues supported team member Laura Renshaw, who conquered her fear of heights for a cause close to her heart.
Laura explained:
“My daughter Grace suffers from Crohn’s Disease and has had to spend a lot of time at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, especially D33 and the Children’s Day Case Unit. As a parent, I can’t do anything to help her, so taking on this challenge and raising money for the people who do make a difference is the best way I can say thank you.”
So far, the Big QMC Abseil has raised over £27,000, with donations still coming in until the end of September. All funds will go towards enhancing patient care, supporting vital research, and funding specialist equipment across Nottingham’s hospitals.
The Big QMC Abseil will return in 2026, giving more supporters the chance to take on the challenge for a great cause.
Can you handle the 100 foot drop? Take on the Big QMC Abseil and raise money for Nottingham hospitals
When
Coming soon
Where
Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham
Registration fee
£30
Minimum Fundraising Amount
£150