DAREDEVILS across the town raised an impressive £11,000 for the Great Western Hospital last month.

As part of the hospital’s 10th anniversary celebrations, people were invited to take part in a 90ft abseil off the top of its roof.

More than 50 fundraisers took part in the event, including 82-year-old David Cummings, of Old Town.

Mr Cummings, who is recovering from throat cancer and has had cataracts surgery, took part after deciding he wanted to give something back to the ‘fantastic staff’ at the GWH.

The money raised will go towards the GWH Charitable Fund which raises money to deliver an extraordinary provision of care to patients, providing an environment for patients and staff which enables efficient and ambitious health services to be delivered.

Hannah Persaud, fundraising manager at GWH, said: “We are delighted to have raised this £11,000 from our charity abseil.

“It is a fantastic amount and a great way to round off our celebrations for the hospital’s 10th anniversary.

“Last year we held an abseil as part of our Open Day and raised around £7,000. This year we had two ropes, so were able to have more participants taking part which meant we could raise more.

“All participants, staff and members of the public were so enthusiastic about the abseil and worked very hard to get sponsorship, and we are very grateful for their efforts.

“The Charitable Fund pays for a number of areas of work within the hospital. “With support from the general public we have helped to fund programme material to improve children's speech and language therapy within the local community, a video conferencing system and training equipment for the cardiology specialty and special care baby unit, and improvements to wards to benefit patients.”

The GWH is now looking ahead to fundraising events in 2013 and is hoping to get as many people as possible signed up to take part in a London to Paris cycle ride.

The event will take place from September 12 to 15 and will be the hospital’s first sponsored bike ride. A team of cyclists will travel over 240 miles on an unforgettable journey, while raising money for the GWH.

Hannah said: “This is a great time to look at your New Year's Resolutions, and what better way to start than to set yourself a truly unforgettable target that will challenge you physically and mentally.

“We will provide training plans and manage your trip every inch of the way, all you have to do is get on your bike and pedal.”

If you are interested in taking part contact fundraising manager Hannah Persaud on Hannah.Persaud@gwh.nhs.uk to register your interest.