DAME Judi Dench has been invited abseil down the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital – by the team which organised the charity premiere of her film Iris.

By Tracey Sparling

DAME Judi Dench has been invited abseil down the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital – by the team which organised the charity premiere of her film Iris.

Supporters of the ARC appeal to build a respite centre for confused older people, will be abseiling to raise money for the cause.

The nine-storey challenge was also extended to Dame Judi, who became patron of the appeal when she was filming in Southwold.

The film tells the life story of novelist Irish Murdoch who died suffering from Alzheimer's Disease in 1999.

Nick Winch, development manager for Age Concern Suffolk said: "We have invited Dame Judi, but think it is highly unlikely.

"There are many things patrons of charities are asked to do, but flinging her off the side of a building might be stretching it a bit!

"Still, you never know!"

He added: "I expect we will be attracting a slightly different crowd for this event, although we already have one 79-year-old doing the jump."

He urged more volunteers to sign up, and help raise money for the centre, which will be the first of its kind in the country.

It will be built in the Ipswich area and offer 24-hour day care and ensure people are looked after in a safe but dignified environment.

Just one or two key members of staff will look after each person to help reduce their confusion and anxiety, and carers will also benefit.

The annual abseil at Ipswich Hospital is scheduled for July 7 this year.

ARC is also fielding a team for the forthcoming Ladies Driving Challenge at Bentwaters, and the 10km Golden Jubilee road run in London.

To take part for ARC, or offer sponsorship call 01473 735302

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ARC stands for ACCESS Respite Centre

ACCESS stands for Age Concern's Confused and Elderly Support Service.