SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland will be amongst the 35 people abseiling 90ft down the side of the Great Western Hospital this weekend.

The Santa Abseil at the GWH will be raising money to kit out the new children’s emergency department refurbishment.

Back in the summer, the Adver launched the Making it Better appeal to help raise £20,000 for the cause. Money raised from the weekend event will be split between the emergency department and Action for Children.

Mr Buckland says he has a serious phobia of heights. He said: “I’m pretty good if it is stable. I do have an irrational fear when it comes to anything that involves heights.

“But, like all things you are scared of, it’s important to conquer those fears and face them.

“It is a good five storeys and it’s very hard concrete below. But I’m going to have to do it.”

The abseil takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

If you would like to support the children’s Emergency Department at the GWH, visit the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/GWH-ED-Appeal or text GWED50 with your amount to 70070. People can also claim gift aid at no extra cost.

l Yesterday, a bake off was held at the hospital to help raise further funds for the new department. To see some of the best cakes, turn to pages 24 and 25.