When life throws its toughest challenges, Kirsty Stockton doesn’t just stand tall—she abseils down cathedrals.
Kirsty, a 38-year-old mental health practitioner from St Helens, is taking on a double abseil challenge to raise vital funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. After already completing her first descent at Liverpool Cathedral, she’s now preparing to finish her summer of fundraising with a second abseil at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool this September.
What makes Kirsty’s challenge even more extraordinary is her personal journey. She is living with brain cancer and is also a below-the-knee amputee following a life-threatening sepsis infection at age 31.
“This abseil isn’t just about conquering a wall,” Kirsty says. “It’s about showing what’s possible, even when life throws its toughest challenges at you. It’s about resilience, gratitude, and hope.”
After her amputation, Kirsty transformed her life—changing careers, embracing new adventures, and becoming a passionate advocate for mental health. She walks with a prosthetic, plays football in an able-bodied team, and is a proud regular at Anfield cheering on Liverpool FC.
In 2022, Kirsty was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer. After undergoing surgery, she experienced tumour regrowth and is now receiving targeted therapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
“Clatterbridge has been a pillar of strength, care and hope for me,” she says. “Their dedication to pioneering research and providing world-class treatment is life-changing—not just for me, but for so many others.”
When she heard about the Charity’s abseil events during her treatment, Kirsty knew she had to take part—not just to say thank you, but to help others facing cancer.
“If life is going to swing at me, I’m going to swing back harder,” she says. “I wasn’t given the option to be brave—I had to be fearless.”
Kirsty is aiming to raise over £700 to support cancer research at Clatterbridge. The Charity has pledged to invest £5 million over five years into research, including early-phase clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments that offer new hope to patients.
“I want to support the incredible work Clatterbridge does,” Kirsty says. “Helping fund research that changes lives—just like it’s changed mine.”
Rachel Heslin, Events Fundraiser at Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
“We’re so grateful to Kirsty for taking part. Her courage and determination are truly inspiring. It’s thanks to people like her that we can continue supporting the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.”
Join the challenge
The Clatterbridge Abseil takes place on Sunday 14th September at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool. Participants can choose a morning or afternoon time slot.
👉 Register for the abseil here
👉 Sponsor Kirsty’s challenge here
