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Co-op boss to abseil for Walsall hospice
The President of Midcounties Co-operative is going over the top to raise funds for Walsall Hospice. John Boot, aged 63, is among the first to sign up for a charity abseil down the town’s New Art Gallery on June 19. He will need a head for heights when he joins fellow supporters to take on the challenge of the 30-metre tower.
John said: “It’s not often you get the chance to do something like this. I am fine with heights; that does not worry me. I have never abseiled before but it is something I have always wanted to do.
“I am really looking forward to it. It will be enjoyable and it’s for a very good cause.”
Community retailer Midcounties has already raised £208,000 for its charity partner Help the Hospices and the 11 hospices in its trading area, which include Walsall Hospice. Its food stores, travel branches, pharmacies, funeral homes, childcare nurseries, and post offices have all got behind the campaign which continues until next January.
John added: “I was keen to do my bit because our colleagues have worked so hard with various fundraising initiatives. I want to raise as much as possible through the abseil which also coincides with the start of the first national Co-operative Fortnight to promote the Co-operative Movement.”
Cheryl Bradburne, Head of Fundraising at Walsall Hospice, said: “The abseil is a fun and challenging opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Walsall town centre and raise essential funds for our hospice. We wish John well and ask anyone who wants to join in the abseil to sign up now.”
No experience is necessary as full training is given beforehand. It costs £30 to register and participants are asked to try to raise at least £75 in sponsorship.
For more details visit the Walsall Hospice website or contact the fundraising team on 01922 423578.
Walsall Hospice is being built as part of the palliative care centre in Goscote Lane, Goscote, and is set to open early next year. But it needs to raise £1.5 million for equipment and initial running costs.