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The Big Abseil – Supporting Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

The Bristol Clamshell Thoracotomy team took on The Big Abseil on 12 September to raise funds for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, in recognition of the charity’s support for the Bristol Clamshell Course. Read about the challenge, the impact of the charity’s support, and how the team came together to give something back.

9/15/20263 min read

On 12 September, the Bristol Clamshell Thoracotomy team took on The Big Abseil, raising funds for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity. We're pleased to say so far the team has raised £2040!

The event gave us the opportunity to step outside our usual clinical environment and take on a very different kind of challenge, while supporting a charity that has played a vital role in our local community and, importantly, in establishing the Bristol Clamshell Course.

Taking on the challenge

Although abseiling is a long way removed from our usual work in the operating theatre, emergency department and critical care unit, the challenge called on many of the same qualities we value in healthcare: preparation, teamwork, trust and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

For some of the team, stepping over the edge of a building was certainly outside our comfort zone. But with plenty of encouragement and teamwork, we successfully completed the descent — and were proud to do so in support of a cause that is close to our hearts.

“Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity supported us with a grant to establish the Bristol Clamshell Course in 2023. Since then, we have been able to train more than 120 clinicians in the management of life-threatening knife injuries. The Big Abseil was a chance for the team to say a big thank you for supporting us to train doctors and nurses across the South West. We are thrilled to have raised over £2000 for the charity and the fantastic causes they fund"

Dr Emma Low

Course Director and Committee Lead

Dr Lydia Wilcox, ED registrar, took part in the challenge and reflected on her experience:

"I think its important when youre an adult to keep doing things that scare you. I am not a fan of heights, a fact I viscerally remembered as I was asked to step over the barrier and lean off the edge of the tower. We all took part and cheered each other on and actually, it was great fun in the end!"

"We all know the Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity funds incredible services around the hospital from cutting edge new equipment to calming artwork/more comfortable spaces for patients and relatives. They need constant funding to keep up this fabulous work and it was incredible to be part of this great day. The volunteers were absolutely amazing and made the day so much more fun."

Well done to Jack, Stelios, Lydia and Emma for completing the Big Bristol Abseil 2026, and raising money for a great cause!

Supporting Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity helps enhance healthcare across our local hospitals, supporting projects and initiatives that benefit patients, their families and healthcare staff.

The charity has been an important supporter of the Bristol Clamshell Course since its establishment in 2023. Their funding helped us launch the course and develop training that equips clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage life-threatening penetrating trauma.