Cancer patient's 'scary' 160ft abseil down hospital dressed as Where's Wally
A brave cancer patient has confronted her fear of heights by abseiling a staggering 160 feet down the outside of a hospital - all while wearing a 'Where's Wally' costume.
Claire Stork, a 42 year old prison administrator hailing from Woolwich in south-east London, said the trip down St Thomas' Hospital in London was "scary" but "well worth it".
She undertook the thrilling descent alongside her two friends, Della Pearson and Levi Bowditch to raise money for Guy's Cancer Charity, an organisation supporting the hospital where she is currently battling her cancer.
An "encouraging" crowd gathered to cheer on Ms Stork and her pals, who are affectionately known as "the party animals".
She undertook the thrilling descent alongside her two friends, Della Pearson and Levi Bowditch to raise money for Guy's Cancer Charity (PA Wire/PA Images)She completed the challenge while dressed as the elusive character Where's Wally - complete with black-rimmed circular glasses, a red and white striped top, a matching beanie hat, and a personalised pink cape. After completing the abseil on Friday, Ms Stork told the PA news agency: “It was very scary, but very encouraging with the audience. It was well worth it.” Ms Pearson said the experience was “very, very worth it”. She told PA: “The worst bit is getting off the ledge because you feel like you’re falling into nothing even though you’ve got the harness on. But very, very worth it.” Ms Stork said: “I’m excited to do it with my friends because they’ve been with me all the way through.”
Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’
Ms Stork was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, a rare and highly aggressive form of thyroid gland cancer, in January 2023, and is currently undergoing treatment. In December 2022 she underwent a six-hour operation at Guy’s Hospital, where a 12cm tumour was removed after she noticed a lump in her neck. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “I was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer back in January at Guy’s. Since then I just want to pay (the staff) back because they’ve done no more than help me – good days, bad days, however busy they are, they’re always there to help you. Even when I lost my hair, they helped me through that bit by bit. They helped me buy a wig and it was so comforting. I just want to say a big thank you to everybody.”
Claire said the experience was 'very scary, but very encouraging' (PA Wire/PA Images)Inspired by a poster for an abseil at Guy's Hospital, Claire decided to face her fear of heights head-on. She trained at a high ropes course in Kent, accompanied by her nephew John, 12, and niece Ruby, 10. She described the doctors and nurses at Guy’s Hospital as “amazing”.
She said: “They’re always there for me, all the doctors and nurses are just amazing, like you can’t ask for more really. They’re always on the go and don’t relax, but no matter how busy they are, they’re always available to talk and help you. I want to say a big thank you to Guy’s Cancer, I have had all the support I need.” To contribute to Ms Stork's fundraising efforts, visit the Guy's Cancer Charity fundraising page.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
