St. Joseph’s Hospice is on the lookout for anyone who would like to take on an adrenaline-fueled challenge in the heart of Liverpool this summer.

On Saturday 17th July, a team of hospice supporters will abseil 150ft down the great west door of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral to raise valuable funds for the hospice.

One of this year’s participants will be Angela Lund from Fazakerley (pictured) who has signed up to pay tribute to her dad Albie Smart. Albie passed away at the hospice in 2019 and Angela wants to take on the challenge to say thank you to all the hospice staff who looked after him and her whole family during what was a very difficult time.

Angela said: “Since my dad died, we have all been locked away in our homes staring at the same four walls so I felt this would be the perfect way emerge from lockdown and take me out of my comfort zone.”

Angela’s whole family have been supporters of the hospice since the 1980s when Albie used to visit a good friend at the hospice. Ever since, they have held raffles and social events and sold Christmas and Easter toys to raise money. When the hospice launched its lottery in 2001, Albie became its first lottery canvasser, which he continued for 15 years. Over the years, Albie raised over an incredible £50,000 for the hospice.

Angela continued: “We were so relieved that dad manage to spend his final days at the hospice. He was only there for a few days but the love and care we all received at that time was incredible and so I want to take on this challenge to say thank you. It will be tough but it will all be worth it when I reach the bottom and we can all raise a glass to my dad to celebrate.”

Maxine Armstrong, head of fundraising and lottery at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “Supporters like Angela and her family contribute so much to the hospice and it just shows the impact the hospice has on people’s lives.

“We are really looking forward to our Liverpool Cathedral Abseil event as we have missed our supporters so much over the last 12 months. We can’t wait to get out there again and to see people across our community challenging themselves and achieving great things in support of the hospice.”

Places for the Liverpool Cathedral Abseil are very limited so early booking is advised. Registration costs £60 and the minimum sponsorship required is £150.

To register, please contact the fundraising team on 0151 932 6044 or email events@jospice.org.uk.

To show your support to Angela, you can donate through her Just Giving page.

Pictured L-R: Albie Smart with his daughter Angela Lund.