A MEMBER of Launceston’s community has raised hundreds of pounds for a vital cause after seeing Derriford Hospital like never before.

Kate Leeves braved the heights recently as she took to the top of Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on September 20, to raise money for the hospitals Acute Stroke and Neurology Department.

Kate, who works in Launceston, said: “My morning abseil adventure down Derriford Hospital on Sunday, September 20, especially for the Acute Stroke and Neurology Department of Derriford Hospital was truly an amazing experience and I loved every moment of it.”

The high-flying experience was a nerve wracking one for Kate, however, she made sure to get some practice in before the big day.

“To prepare for the event I did some indoor rock climbing and abseiling training at the Barn Climbing Centre,” she said. “This was because I wanted to enjoy doing the hospital abseil as much as possible and ‘Without feeling like a cat stuck up a tree’!

“The inspiration to do this fundraising event came from hearing a quote on a radio programme in April from the late, great song writer and music producer Jim Steinman who said "If you don't go over the top you can't see what's on the other side””.

So, with these wise words in mind, Kate took to the sky and lowered herself over the edge - step by step making her way to the bottom of the hospital.

With fundraising ongoing, Kate is hoping to raise as much as possible.

“I did an approximate tot up of the sponsorship donations that I have received and I am absolutely over the moon to say that I have raised just over £700. I would just like to say a great big and huge thank you very much to everyone who has very kindly sponsored me.”