A LOVING husband is set to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Southend Hospital’s tower block to raise cash for the department treating his wife’s cancer.

Roger Alexander, 60, is taking part in the hospital’s annual Tackle the Tower challenge to raise cash for the oncology unit as a thank you for the care his wife, Angela, has received.

The annual event sees fundraisers abseil 154ft down the hospital’s tower block to raise money for a ward or department of their choice across the Mid and South Essex Trust.

This year, Southend West MP Anna Firth will also take part.

Roger, from Benfleet, said: “If my wife, Angela, can show the bravery she has shown tackling this cancer, then me tackling the tower to help raise funds for the unit that have given her such fantastic care is nothing in comparison.

“I cannot fault the team at Southend Hospital; my wife feels cared for and looked after by everyone from the oncologists, wonderful nurses and all the staff.

“Giving something back to them is the least I can do.”

Roger was inspired to join the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity 2024 abseil event after witnessing people participate last year.

Roger’s wife, Angela, said: “For Roger to do this abseil means a lot, I know how much he dislikes heights.

“We are both so thankful for the nurses and oncologists that look after me.

“I feel like one of the lucky ones - my treatment can make me feel a little tired and achy, but it means that I can lead the life I want to; I can join my walking group weekly and still go out shopping or for lunch with friends.”

The charity’s abseil event, Tackle the Tower, is now in its ninth year and has so far raised more than £200,000 for the trust’s hospitals.

Elise Fleetwood, events and corporate relations manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “The money raised by the brilliant people taking part will make a world of difference and helps us to provide extra services and facilities for our patients, families and staff across our hospitals. We wish Roger the best of luck with the abseil and his fundraising we’ll all be cheering him on, alongside the other people raising money on the day.”

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. For further information, visit msehospitalscharity.co.uk