A Frome woman has conquered her fear of heights by scaling Cheddar Gorge to raise funds for the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath.
Shane Ibbitson completed the climb last month as part of her ongoing efforts to support the hospital, where she has previously been a patient.
“My husband Colin did the climb with me as well,” said Shane. “I did have a fear of heights before I did it, but that has gone now! There were three ropes, and when we got to the top, it felt absolutely knackering at the end but fantastic; I felt really good. I did love it, and the instructor said, ‘When are you going to come and do it again?’”
To prepare for the climb, Shane trained on the steps of Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. She remarked, “They are a challenge to climb up and back down!”
Shane has been a regular fundraiser for the RUHX Charity—previously known as the RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal. Through various efforts, including swimming challenges and cake sales, she has raised over £3,000 for the Dyson Cancer Centre. Her latest rock climb has contributed an additional £350, which will benefit the cancer unit.
“Over the past decade, various fundraising efforts—including mine—have collectively raised over £10 million for the new Dyson Centre,” Shane added.
