Abseil success for Worthing breast cancer group

SUPPORTERS of a breast cancer support group have been praised for their bravery, having abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
Ross and Carol Denby wanted to help Butterflies Breast Care Support Group SUS-150624-135950001Ross and Carol Denby wanted to help Butterflies Breast Care Support Group SUS-150624-135950001
Ross and Carol Denby wanted to help Butterflies Breast Care Support Group SUS-150624-135950001

A group of 40 volunteers took part, raising around £6,500 for the Butterflies Breast Care Support Group.

Organiser Ross Denby said the ages ranged from 18 to 74 and at least two had had breast cancer, although all had been touched by it in some way.

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“My wife Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago,” said Mr Denby.

Carol Denby begins her decentCarol Denby begins her decent
Carol Denby begins her decent

“She is now coming out the other side of the physical illness but it is something that can never be put behind us, as it is always a worry.

“During her illness, Carol received treatment at six hospitals. She received fantastic care by all concerned. That being the case, we wanted to give something back and to that end we organised the abseil.”

When Carol made her decent, a large group of family, friends and supporters were cheering her on at the bottom.

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Butterflies Breast Care Support Group is attached to Worthing Hospital’s Breast Care Unit. It organises events for women affected and raises money for equipment.

The light breeze catches the ropeThe light breeze catches the rope
The light breeze catches the rope

Mr Denby said: “This is not about me or my wife. This is all about an illness that can really devastate a person’s life, relationships and families.

“We simply want to help Butterflies so that they can help support ladies affected by breast cancer. When all is said and done, I would rather abseil 100m down the Spinnaker Tower than be given a diagnosis of cancer.”

He said the day was a complete success, with people going down in small groups from 8.30am to 5pm.

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“The weather remained reasonably good with just a little breeze and a light rain shower at lunchtime. Fortunately, this was during the lunchtime break, so no abseilers were affected.

“Collection buckets raised £200 on the day. Friends and family, as well as visitors to Gunwharf Quays, all cheered and brought the event to life.

“A number of people commented about how brave the participants were. Donations are still coming in, so the final total is estimated to be between £6,000 and £6,500.”

Mr Denby has been asked to organised another abseil, so a date has provisionally been booked for May 28, 2016. The charity will be decided once all 40 places are booked. The cost to take part is £90. Email [email protected] for more information.

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