In its 3rd year, we were thrilled to have a record 16 challengers taking part!
The persistent drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of our 16 brave Mersey Cares individuals who took part in our third annual Liverpool Cathedral Abseil on Saturday 19 July — all in support of Mersey Care’s mental health and community services.
This thrilling event took place at the iconic Liverpool Cathedral, where our challengers abseiled 150ft down the West face of the historic landmark. It’s an incredible personal challenge, and we couldn’t be any prouder of each and every one of our supporters taking part.
A highlight in Liverpool’s charity calendar, the Liverpool Cathedral Abseil brings together fundraisers from across the region for a day full of energy, excitement, and community spirit.
The icing on the cake: our Mersey Cares fundraisers collectively smashed their fundraising target raising just shy of £3,000 to support our essential Mersey Care services.
Thank you so much to all who took part and to the 160 donors who supported this incredible challenge! This support enables our charity to go beyond what NHS funding can typically provide, bringing to life projects across Cheshire and Merseyside that tackle health inequalities, challenge mental health stigma, and support the wellbeing of our communities.
Speaking ahead of the event, Julie Mealy, who works for Informatics Merseyside said she wanted to give back for the care her Mum has been given since being diagnosed with dementia: "I have completed many fundraising events and want to fundraise for mental health," she said. "Mersey Care support my mum who is living with dementia by providing community support in the care home she is in and so I wanted to help raise funds."
There were also many Mersey Care staff who took part who feel passionate about raising funds to support those they care for in ways that are beyond the limits of NHS funding.
Abigail Byrne, a Health Care Support Worker for Mersey Care smashed her fundraising target of £250, raising an incredible £450 for our services! As well as being a personal challenge for her, Abi wanted to take part to "support and provide for my service users."
Speaking again following the dramatic 150ft drop, she said:
"I did it! Thank you to my family and friends for sponsoring me with your donations and for your support. Together we raised £420 for Mersey Cares! Thank you Mersey Cares for organising such a wonderful opportunity and experience!"
Stephanie Harper, a Caseload Holder for the District Nursing Team, also shared her reasons for taking part: “I want to help support the charity as I am passionate about mental health and community services," she said. "I am very thankful and lucky to be in good health both physically and mentally and want to help those less fortunate."
We are so incredibly thankful to every person who took part in our annual abseil challenge - and for every penny raised for us to give back to the services who support and care for so many people across the region.
Amanda Jolley, Helpdesk Administrator for Estates & Facilities at Hollins Park, said: "The money raised ensures that the patients and community have the best customer journey possible. It means that our facilities are second to none; the care is kept at an outstanding level and continuing development in mental health and disability services we offer."
Thanks to donations we’ve been able to:
Provide gifts for children in care
Fund ZSA suicide awareness training
Create therapeutic sensory gardens and spaces for patients in recovery
Set up a monthly support group for Young Onset Dementia
Host interactive creative spaces for children and young people
Provide support for foster carers and parents navigating teenage mental health
Interested in taking on your own challenge for us? Sign up to a fundraising event and help us fly the flag for Mersey Cares!
Thank you once more to our abseilers for going above and beyond (quite literally!) to support our mental health and community care across Cheshire and Merseyside. You're kindness really will make such a difference to those who need it most.
