THIS weekend more than 1,000 people will gather all their courage to step off a building 150 feet high.Yes, it's the annual Ipswich Hospital abseil and this year could see the total amount raised for charities crashing through the £1million barrier.

THIS weekend more than 1,000 people will gather all their courage to step of a building 150 feet high.

Yes, it's the annual Ipswich Hospital abseil and this year could see the total amount raised for charities crashing through the £1million barrier.

And in his first year as chief executive at the hospital Paul Forden has praised the amazing efforts of everyone involved.

He said: "This is for a whole range of local charities and this year potentially is going to go through the £1million barrier.

"We don't want to be seen just as a hospital here, we want to be seen as part of the community.

"If we happen to have the tallest building in the area I am happy to use it for that purpose."

Every year hundreds of people take their courage in both hands to abseil from the top of the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital.

It is organised by Main Event Group Activities (MEGA) who also set up the annual Ladies Driving Challenge fundraiser.

It is an amalgamation of the funds raised through those events that should reach the £1million mark this year.

The seven annual abseils so far have raised in excess of £640,000. The 1999 event raised £94,000 for 91 good causes with 1100 people taking part and the 2000 event saw over 1600 people raise in excess of £125,000 for 121 good causes and 2001 again saw 1600 participants raising £140,000 plus and an amazing £147,000 was raised in 2002.

Many Suffolk charities benefit from the money raised and it is up to the person taking part who they donate the money to.

All age ranges and abilities can get involved, people from 12- 87 are taking part this year and even wheelchair users are catered for.

Frank Turmel from MEGA said: "More than 200 charities have benefited from this.

"Things like this can also benefit people not only through fundraising but also teaching them things.

"How many people in a wheelchair would ever think they could abseil 150ft?"

Just some of the charities that have benefited from the abseil are Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, East Suffolk Mind, Martlesham Brass and St Elizabeth Hospice.

If you would like to take part or would like more information on this year's event or other 'open' fundraising events contact MEGA on 01473 785500 or email us on info@mega-uk.com or see the Abseil page under Fundraising Events on www.mega-uk.com where you can also enquire on line.