Police constable and commissioner take on abseil challenge for Worthing charity

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, and Giles York, Chief Constable of Sussex Police, will be raising money for The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home (QAHH), which cares for disabled ex-Servicemen and women.

The sponsored challenge to abseil down Peacehaven’s chalk cliff face on Sunday, September 11 is also open for members of the public to sign up and take part.

Mrs Bourne said: “I was honoured to be asked to help raise money for such a wonderful organisation.

“As the wife of a Falklands veteran and the granddaughter of a First World War soldier of the Royal Sussex Regiment, showing support for all the men and women who serve our country is close to my heart.

“Like many people I am deeply saddened by the life changing injuries that many service men and women sustain from the traumas of war.

“I have never abseiled before but I’m looking forward to the challenge. This is a great opportunity to raise money to support the QAHH whilst helping to publicise the tremendous work of this charity. “

Mr York said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in this challenge and look forward to raising as much money as possible for QAHH.

“Sussex Police has a large number of staff and officers with military connections and with this year commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme I think that serves as a poignant reminder that we can all give something back.

“Here’s hoping we can also help raise the charity’s profile as high as the Peacehaven cliffs!”

QAHH specialises in care for ex-Servicemen and women with brain injuries, neurological conditions, spinal injuries and those who have lost limbs.

The charity receives no government funding and must raise £1.3 million this year to deliver its services, which include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Elizabeth Baxter, the head of fundraising at QAHH, said: “I would like to thank Mrs Bourne and Mr York for so kindly agreeing to do this in aid of The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home, and I send our heartfelt thanks on behalf of all the staff and residents.

“Needless to say their participation in the abseil will not only help publicise the event and encourage others to take part, but it will also create awareness of QAHH and the care we provide to disabled ex-Servicemen and women.”

Places for the event must be booked in advance and the registration fee is £25 per person. Participants are also asked to try to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.

Elizabeth said: “We’d love to see more teams of friends and families sign up, or even colleagues, as this event could provide a great team-building opportunity for local businesses and organisations whilst at the same time raising vital funds for our work, caring for disabled veterans.”

For further information or to sign up, contact Samantha Stokes, event organiser, by emailing [email protected] or calling 01903 218444.

Sponsor Mrs Bourne by visiting her just giving page

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