Two local Dorset NHS hospice charities are celebrating after successfully raising over £20,000 during their first ever joint charity event.

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole and Macmillan Caring Locally in Christchurch had a total of 38 people taking part in a Spinnaker Tower abseil which involved a 100-metre descent down the side of Portsmouth’s iconic landmark on one of the hottest days of the year. 

Many of those participating have a strong connection with the hospices through the care and support their loved-ones received at end-of-life. Emma Griffen, who took part for Forest Holme dressed up as a penguin in memory of her Dad, said, “My Dad didn't dance often, but when he did, he'd mimic a penguin. We danced around at my wedding like penguins.  We had a 'thing' going about penguins, hence dressing up as one to do the Spinnaker Tower abseil. It was an amazing experience, with amazing people for an excellent cause.

Dad passed away peacefully in the care of the wonderful staff after two days at Forest Holme resulting from complications resulting from a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). My family and I will be forever grateful for the love and support offered to Forest Holme.”

Myra Davies, abseiled in memory of her Mum, Jean Davis and said, “I am terrified of heights but, after abseiling Spinnaker 3 years ago in support of Macmillan Caring Locally, I had a point to prove to myself – do it again with a little less drama and a little less sobbing! When the team at Macmillan Caring Locally said they were doing the challenge again, I just had to sign up.

Mum fought so hard against cancer for 10 years but her last tumour was so aggressive, it wasn’t a battle she was going to win. The care Macmillan Caring Locally gave to her and to us got us through the worst time of our lives. The whole team are amazing; they give you the strength and support to get through. They truly are phenomenal and I could never thank them enough.” 

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole and Macmillan Caring Locally in Christchurch, who collectively provide palliative and end-of-life care from the Isle of Purbeck in West Dorset right across to Ringwood in West, decided to partner together and organise a charity abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, as both hospices now form part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust following last year’s merger.

All money raised will go help enhance the NHS provision at both hospices to ensure that Forest Holme Hospice and Macmillan Caring Locally are there for patients and their family and friends during the most difficult time of their lives.