Nurse takes the plunge in aid of cancer support centre

Lead nurse Corinne Rowbotham, from the oncology department at Spire Healthcare, reached the dizzy heights on Good Friday when she took on the challenge of abseiling 100 metres down the iconic tower.

Taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben, the descent took just seven minutes and offered spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent for Corinne to enjoy on the way down.

Corinne’s challenge raised £1,500 for Wessex Cancer Trust and raised awareness of the charity’s cancer support centre in the High Street, Cosham, which offers free support, information and complementary therapies to people affected by or living with cancer.

Sally Parsons, who has used the centre, said: ‘Cancer, it’s a word that fills most of us with dread.

‘At my local support centre, they provide a free, friendly place to come and chat, have a drink, find information and support and have a relaxing complementary therapy.’

A spokesperson for the charity said: ‘We are very grateful to Corrine for braving the elements to abseil on behalf of Wessex Cancer Trust in order that we can continue to provide our free support to people who are living with or are affected by a cancer diagnosis.’

Established in 1981, Wessex Cancer Trust exists to provide local support for peopleliving with or affected by cancer, irrespective of their age.

As well as counselling and complementary therapies, the trust provides a full range of additional services to support clients and their families, including financial assistance, holiday homes, information and support, patient transport and activity groups.

Phone (023) 9232 6511 or email [email protected] for more information. The centre is open Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm and offers counselling, reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy and massage.