Fundraiser Hannah Edwards is planning to scale the heights of one of Liverpool’s most famous landmarks in memory of her step mum and Nanny.
Hannah, from Halewood, will abseil 150 feet down the side of Liverpool Cathedral in July to raise vital funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
The self-confessed thrill seeker is taking on the challenge to say thank you for the care received by step-mum Niki and Nanny Syl.
The two women had gone through their treatment for cancer together before they both sadly passed away last year.
Before she died, Niki encouraged Hannah to take on the abseil along with her friend Jess Hayes (pictured together here).
Hannah said: “She would love the fact I am doing this, she loved hearing about me taking on challenges.
“While she was having her treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool I saw adverts for the abseil but was too late to do it last year. When I told Niki we might take part this time she said: ‘just get it done’. So that’s what we are doing.
“When you have experienced negativity and sadness it’s important to try and turn it into a positive experience and have some fun. We’re sure this will be a lot of fun as well as a great way to raise money for other people with cancer.”
Hannah was keen to raise money for Clatterbridge as a thank you for the treatment the two important women in her life received.
She said: “Cancer is one of the worst things you can go through, but it is one of those places that just feels so positive and comfortable.
“My Nanny was always laughing, we always felt happy around her, she was just really fun so I know she would have loved to have watched the abseil and would think it was brilliant.
“Niki was such a strong person and really made the most of her time when she knew her cancer was terminal. She and my Dad John went to New York, which was on her bucket list, and just a few weeks before she died, they went to Greece for a holiday.
“I know she would be laughing at the thought of me doing the abseil. By doing this I feel as though I am keeping my promise to her by creating amazing memories, facing my fears, living life to the full and helping others along the way.”
She added: “I am really looking forward to the day, it should be a lot of fun. I love doing things like this but am still a bit nervous. I have done a skydive before, but I actually think this will be more frightening.”
Hannah knows Niki (pictured here with Hannah) would have been so proud of her.
Rachel Heslin, Events Fundraiser for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Hannah and Jess for taking on this challenge.
“It is thanks to them, and all those who fundraise through our events, that we are able to support the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.
“We can’t wait to see them and all the other abseilers at Liverpool Cathedral for a day of fun and important fundraising. Taking part in an event like this is a great way to challenge yourself and help people with cancer.”
The Liverpool Cathedral Abseil will take place on 12th July from 1pm.
You can descend 150ft over the side of the great West Door and help Clatterbridge Cancer Charity fund even more life-saving research and innovative projects to support cancer patients and their families.
Abseilers will experience seeing the city in a whole new light. They can pose for a picture at the top before enjoying the thrill of abseiling off one of the UK’s most iconic buildings.
Entry costs £10 per person and participants are asked to fundraise £150.
Find out more about the event and how to take part here.
