A mum whose life was saved after she had an ectopic pregnancy is among those to take on an extreme abseil and scale Ipswich Hospital's 135ft maternity block.

The event which takes place at Ipswich Hospital saw both individuals and corporate teams take on the challenge and abseil on Saturday, July 30.

So far, the challenge has raised over £41,000 for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust's (ESNEFT) hospitals and community sites.

Ipswich Star: Dr Lija Bude did the abseil straight after a night shift at Ipswich Hospital. Credit: ESNEFTDr Lija Bude did the abseil straight after a night shift at Ipswich Hospital. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)

The money will help pay for new technology, as well as extra touches which help patients and carers have the best experience when using NHS services.

It will also support research and innovation, helping to improve healthcare further.

Hannah Churchyard, one of those that took on the challenge, said: "It was an amazing experience.

Ipswich Star: Hannah Churchyard with her son, Albert. Credit: ESNEFTHannah Churchyard with her son, Albert. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)

Ipswich Star: Hannah at the top of the 135-foot drop. Credit: ESNEFTHannah at the top of the 135-foot drop. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)

"I jumped at the chance to be part of this occasion because the hospital's incredible doctors, nurses and midwives saved my life after I suffered from an ectopic pregnancy in 2020.

"They went on to deliver our two baby boys, Albert in 2021 and Stanley in 2022, and we will be forever thankful to them."

Cait Pilkington, the charity's events manager, said: "We are thrilled with the amount of support we received.

"We would like to thank everyone who supported the event."

Jill Clarkson, a stroke rehabilitation assistant based at Ipswich Hospital, was also among those to reach the end of the drop zone.

She said: “I had a great time and really enjoyed it."

Ipswich Star: Terry Clarke celebrating his 75th birthday doing the abseil. Credit: ESNEFTTerry Clarke celebrating his 75th birthday doing the abseil. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)

Ipswich Star: Tim Ward broadcasted live from the top of the tower. Credit: ESNEFTTim Ward broadcasted live from the top of the tower. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)