A teenager is preparing to take part in a charity abseil in memory of their father.
Em Nicholls, from Ipswich, will take on the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Extreme Abseil at Ipswich Hospital on Saturday, 6 June, in tribute to Matt Nicholls, who completed the same challenge in 2025.
At the time, Mr Nicholls raised funds for the hospital’s paediatric play team, who had supported Em during cancer treatment six years earlier.
Em said: "It’s terrifying… but I’ve signed up now so I have to do it.
"I think Dad would be proud."
Mr Nicholls died suddenly in July from a deep vein thrombosis that led to blood clots in his lungs.
Em and their family have chosen to support the hospital’s Time Garden Appeal, which aims to transform a disused courtyard into a peaceful outdoor space for end-of-life patients and their loved ones.
The charity said: "The garden will provide a private and calm environment away from busy wards, giving families the chance to make lasting memories together, including time outdoors and visits from beloved pets, something Em and their mum, Vicki, sadly did not have the chance to experience."
Vicki said: "We wanted to do something meaningful and continue fundraising, but support somewhere different this time.
"The Time Garden felt like the right choice."
Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity said Em’s story highlights the personal reasons behind many participants’ involvement and encouraged others across Suffolk and Essex to take part.
Grace Wilson, assistant fundraising and events manager, said: "This is about more than just the challenge, it’s about making a real difference and a lasting impact for patients and families.
"Em’s story is incredibly moving, and we’d love more people to get involved and help us be there for families long into the future."
Spaces can be booked at colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/Event/extreme-abseil-2026.
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