SHE has been the beneficiary of fundraising efforts herself but Kirsty Vale has decided now is the time to do something for someone else and she's tapping into an adventurous streak to do it.

By Jo Macdonald

SHE has been the beneficiary of fundraising efforts herself but Kirsty Vale has decided now is the time to do something for someone else and she's tapping into an adventurous streak to do it.

On July 7 the 12-year-old will make the journey to the top of the maternity block at Ipswich Hospital and then abseil back down.

In the process she hopes to raise about £1,000 for the Terri Calvesbert Appeal.

Kirsty, who has cerebral palsy, knows what difference the fundraising achievements of others can make.

Thanks to the efforts of others enough money was raised to buy her a £3,000 electric wheelchair and a sports wheelchair.

She said: "People have raised money for me so I wanted to raise money for somebody else.

"I thought it would be nice to raise it for Terri because she needs it."

Kirsty, of Elmhurst Drive, Ipswich, will be joined by family friend Tim Ambrose, who is set to abseil more than 100 foot down the building next to her.

It is possible that one of her teachers from Holywells School will also take up the challenge with her.

She is excitedly looking forward to the fundraising event and is already collecting sponsors at school.

She said: "I've spoken to some people who have done it before and they said the bit they didn't like was going over the top. After that it was okay.

"I'm not scared yet but I probably will be on the day."

Her dad Paul said: "She is quite determined and wanted to do something to raise money for somebody else.

"The rest of the family are apprehensive but it will be a confidence boost for her. She's very, very keen to do it."

Kirsty, who gets about without any problems on crutches, is already looking ahead to other challenges and one day hopes to do a bungee jump.

n Anyone wanting to sponsor Kirsty's abseil on July 7 is asked to send donations made payable to the Terri Calvesbert Appeal, to Geraldine Thompson at the Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.