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A mum is going to great heights to thank the neonatal and audiology departments at Southend Hospital for the care they given her son.

Lindsay Shorten, from Rayleigh, will be taking part in Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity’s tackle the tower, abseiling 154 feet down Southend Hospital’s tower block on Saturday 14 May.

After his birth in August 2019, Sebastian spent six days receiving life-saving treatment in the high dependency unit. This was followed by a further six days in the special care baby unit after being diagnosed with a condition which caused him to lose his hearing.

Lindsay said: “Sebastian is thriving and doing very well. He is a very happy child and that is due in no small part to the amazing care he had at the very start of his life and continues to have to this day.

“I wanted to give something back to say thanks, so my abseil will be in honour of the team of professionals that have cared for and supported Sebastian and our family throughout his life.”

Lindsay, who has already raised almost £900, is one of more than 70 fearless fundraisers raising money for the ward or department of their choice in the abseil known as Tackle The Tower.

Elise Fleetwood, marketing manager for the charity, said: “This is the first time the event has taken place since 2019, due to the pandemic, so it is great to have so many people like Lindsay signing up to take part. It is great to be back and meeting people who are helping us make a real difference for patients.

“We still have some places available for anyone wishing to take part - anyone over the age of 16 is welcome and no experience is necessary.”

Registration for tackle the tower is £40, with a suggested minimum sponsorship amount of £100. Further information and the registration link can be found at www.msehospitalscharity.co.uk or by contacting the fundraising team on 01702 385337 or mse.charity@nhs.net.

You can sponsor Lindsay by visiting her JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/lindsay-shorten1