It may be too early to mention the festive season, but St Margaret’s Hospice Care is gearing up for Christmas already with the launch of its new fundraising event - Santa Abseil.

Sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, volunteer fundraisers will abseil a 60ft drop at Cheddar Gorge, one of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks, all while dressed as Santa!

Never one to walk away from a challenge, six Rotec employees will be taking on the challenge on Saturday 3rd December at 12.30pm.

The team, consisting of Stroud Branch Manager, Dale Lockart, Quality Manager, Josie Chamberlain, Marketing Manager, Rachel Worth, Design Engineer, Isaac Anderson, Production Stock Control Manager, Glyn Cattle and Sales Office Manager, Alex Pounde have all volunteered and, as part of the challenge, have pledged to raise a minimum of £125 each to support the charity’s vital work.

Last year St Margaret’s Hospice supported more than 5,000 people. This care is provided because of fundraising events like the Santa Abseil, with supporters raising thousands of pounds to help provide care across Somerset. 

£125 sponsorship could pay for a specialist Community Nurse visit for one of the hospice’s local patients being cared for at home and an hour’s support to one of St Margaret’s patients at home by one of their Adviceline nurses.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd said: 

“It is our great pleasure to support the hospice by sponsoring their Santa Abseil. The vital work they do to help patients with life-limiting illnesses, together with their families and carers is remarkable.”

Rachel Worth, Marketing Manager commented:

“All members of the Rotec Santa Abseil team are excited and pleased, albeit a little nervous, to take part in the Santa Abseil challenge. We wish to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Every penny will help this great cause to continue to deliver essential support to those living with a life-limiting illness and their loved ones.”

The hospice is hoping participants will raise enough to pay for a weeks’ worth of community visits across Somerset. Around a hundred visits each week are made by one of the five community teams and are a vital part of the care and support offered to patients and their families.

For those wishing to donate, please visit http://bit.ly/rotecsant.