L to R: Joanne Phillips, Ali Jones, Kevin Coombes and Noreen West all braved the abseil.

By Eric White

EIGHT superheroes abseiled down Affinity Water Tower in Harlow to raise £1,800 to enhance children’s services at Basildon Hospital.

The brave fundraisers took the plunge down the tower, which is found in Church Langley, on Sunday 1 May.

They faced the 110 foot drop to raise money for the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital’s Polly Parrot Appeal.

The money will enhance the environment for children’s services across the Trust, including our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and children’s oncology services.

Helen Mattock, capital accountant for the Trust, said: “I know it isn’t something I could do so I have enormous respect for anyone who can abseil down such a huge Essex landmark. I want to thank them for their bravery and for raising so much money in the process.”

To find out more about the Polly Parrot Appeal, how you can get involved or make a donation, please visit our website www.basildonandthurrock.nhs.uk. Like the Polly Parrot Children’s Appeal on Facebook. And follow @BasHospCharity on Twitter.