Anna abseils down St Thomas' Hospital for cancer charity 

St Anselm's member, Anna McIvor, has recently abseiled down St Thomas' Hospital. Here, she writes about her work as a deputy sister on a thoracic surgical ward at Guy's Hospital, the cutting edge surgery they do, why she is raising money and her fearlessness of heights!

On 20th September, I abseiled 160 feet down St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster, along with my nursing colleague Lily, to raise money for Guy’s Cancer Charity.  

All donations to the charity aid the incredible NHS staff to provide exceptional healthcare. The money helps to run support groups which enables patients and carers to share their experiences of cancer, provide a comforting care package for someone receiving end of life care, helping to alleviate symptoms and soothe fears. It also facilitates the provision of expert welfare and benefits advice for a patient experiencing financial hardship, giving them the freedom to focus on their recovery.  

I am a deputy sister on a thoracic surgical ward at Guy’s Hospital where we operate on patients’ lungs to remove tumours, wash out infections, or reinflate lungs following trauma. Previously this used to be open surgery, leaving the patient with a big scar, longer healing time and potentially more complications. Funds from the charity have enabled investment in the latest surgical robotic technology, which means that surgeons are able to work with greater accuracy. Now the same procedure can be done via keyhole surgery meaning it is less invasive, less painful and faster recovery. We are one of the largest lung cancer practices in the country and patients come to us from the south and east of England as well as the London area. It gives me great job satisfaction to see the patients heal so well and be discharged home to their families sooner.  

I am very proud to be part of this team and was very happy to participate in the charity abseil and support a worthy cause. I also took part three years ago and it was an amazing experience. I am not scared of heights but when my legs touched the ground again, they did feel like jelly! This year, I was more prepared for what I was letting myself in for and was able to take in the sights of Westminster, including Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. I was also able to interact with the patients watching from the windows of the hospital. Their smiling faces and the cheers from the crowds below really encouraged me on my descent down the building.  

Finally, I want to say a big thank you to my church family at St Anselm’s for their generous donations and for the love, prayers and support they have shown me.  

Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

  
Anna on the left scaling the sides of St Thomas' with
colleague Lily

Victorious! Anna on the right with Lily having just completed 
their descent. 

 
Anna on the left with colleague Lily on solid ground
 
Well done Lily and Anna!!