Young cancer survivor calls on Bristol’s daredevils to abseil for children with cancer

Daring local teenager, James Hubbard from Bridgwater, is preparing to take on a 200ft abseil challenge and is encouraging thrill seekers from across the region to join him and help raise money for children and young people with cancer.

James, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in September 2006, is being supported by the UK’s leading children and young people’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent and is already setting his sights on the charity’s ‘Spring Leap Abseil’, taking place on Sunday 4 March 2012 at the Bristol City Centre Premier Inn.

James is hoping to have his nerves tested and help the charity raise £10,000 from the event which will allow the charity to provide clinical, practical and emotional support for young cancer patients and their families, from the point of diagnosis.

Also taking part in the frightening fun is James’s mum, Julie, who expects to be cheered on by a number of friends and family, in her brave quest to raise as much as possible for the charity. Julie said of her challenge, “I’m really scared of heights but I would do anything to help CLIC Sargent, they have been so supportive and been there for myself and James every step of the way. When James was first diagnosed the charity were on hand to offer advice and guidance on our entitlements and really helped improve the day-to-day lives of our family, as we struggled to get through the toughest time we’ve ever had to face.”

“James and I have both helped at the CLIC Sargent shop in Bridgwater but for me, this hair-raising challenge is a real expression of the gratitude we have for the charity, they really have made the journey much smoother and easier to cope with.”

All proceeds from the abseil event will help CLIC Sargent provide vital services, including nurses and care professionals in hospitals, grants to help families meet extra costs and free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation close to the main children’s cancer centres, like CLIC House and Sam’s House in Bristol. 

Sophie Porfirio, Area Fundraising Manager, is encouraging brave people from across Bristol to join in. Sophie said, “Our Bristol Abseil is in its 8th year and has raised over £150,000 in the past. We are really upping the ante this year by using the Premier Inn, double the height of our usual venue, Bristol Children’s Hospital.

"The challenge this time round is tougher and more intimidating than ever before, so it should invite interest from adrenalin junkies across the region who want to test their nerves, safe in the knowledge that they’ll also be helping CLIC Sargent to support children, young people and their families.”

The registration fee is £15 and participants need to raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship per person. Anyone who raises over £175 will get a free t-shirt, and there's also a prize for the top fundraiser. Everyone is encouraged to take part in fancy dress.

Those taking part must be over 16 years of age, those under 18 must have parental consent and be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day.

For more information and to register, please contact Sophie at CLIC Sargent on 0117 311 2639, text ‘SPRING’ and your details to 07595 400867 (normal rates apply), or email sophie.porfirio@clicsargent.org.uk.