The wonderful Paul, Jemile, Aleysha, Jordan and Elly from Protective Wear Supplies in Plymouth have signed up for this year’s Derriford Abseil. So far, they have already raised over £600 for Plymouth Hospitals Charity to support patients, their families and the dedicated staff at our hospitals.  

 

They all have a personal reason for taking part, with strong connections to their local hospital and a shared motivation to give back and make a difference. Here’s what inspired them to take on the challenge: 

 

Jordan: 

Why did you sign up? 

I signed up for a few reasons, but the main one is because of the incredible care I received at Derriford Hospital during the births of my children — especially during an emergency in the middle of Covid. Even in such a difficult time for the NHS, the staff made me feel safe and cared for, and they delivered Cash safely despite some scary moments. This challenge feels like a great way to give something back, raise money, have some fun, and build stronger relationships the team. Plus, if my boys think I look like a superhero doing it — that’s a bonus! 

  

How are you feeling about it? 

Nervous, but also excited. I know the nerves will be stronger beforehand, but once I’m doing it, I think the excitement will take over. 

 

Have you done a challenge like this before? 

Not for charity but when I was younger, I was very adventurous, so this won’t be my first abseil! 

  

Paul: 

Why did you sign up? 

Signed up because no doubt due to my own clumsiness I could need them at some point, that and when I had a stroke, they were amazing and helped me get through it quickly.  

  

How are you feeling about it? 

A bit nervous; I am actually a bit scared of heights.  

  

Have you done a challenge like this before? 

Not my first time at the rodeo  

   

Jemile: 

Why did you sign up? 

I feel like I have personal connection with the hospital, both my parents and grandparents have suffered with serious illness in the past few years and relied on treatment from Derriford. They’ve received brilliant care, so this felt like a great opportunity to give something back. 

  

How are you feeling about it? 

I am incredibly nervous and will certainly feel relieved once I’ve reached the bottom! 

  

Have you done a challenge like this before? 

I’ve never taken part in a challenge like this before, so this is all new to me. 

  

Elly: 

Why did you sign up? 

I signed up for the abseil to raise money for Derriford Hospital, in particular to support the incredible maternity ward team who helped me safely deliver my baby. Their care and dedication made such a difference to me and my family, and this is my way of giving something back. 

  

How are you feeling about it? 

I’m a mix of excited and nervous, it is outside my comfort zone, but that’s part of the challenge! The last time I did an abseil was in childhood on a residential trip. This time, it’s a bit higher, the drop looks steeper, and I’m definitely wishing I had the fearless confidence of 10-year-old me! 

  

Have you done a challenge like this before? 

More than anything, I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a team of people who change lives every day. 

  

Aleysha: 

Why did you sign up? 

I signed up because I wanted to face a personal fear and push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s something I’ve always wanted to overcome, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. I'm also really looking forward to the team-building aspect—doing this alongside my work colleagues adds a fun, supportive dynamic and brings us closer together outside of the usual work environment. 

  

How are you feeling about it? 

Honestly, I’m equal parts nervous and excited—basically a human version of a shaken-up can of soda. One second, I’m pumped, the next I’m wondering why I signed up... but overall, I think it’s going to be an unforgettable experience (hopefully in a good way)! 

  

Have you done a challenge like this before? 

Nope, this is my very first time doing anything like this! So naturally, I’m diving in headfirst with equal parts enthusiasm and confusion. 

 

Anything else? 

If you hear distant yelling and see someone wildly flailing—that’s probably me living my best life. 

 

A huge good luck to this amazing group, who will very soon be conquering the heights of Derriford Hospital. Thank you for sharing your stories and for supporting patient care and staff wellbeing at Plymouth’s hospitals. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!