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# Local cancer survivor to abseil Ipswich Hospital this May
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/local-cancer-survivor-to-abseil-ipswich-hospital-this-may/
- Published: 2025-03-14T13:02:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:18:27.000Z
- Description: Ipswich man Joe Alexander will join fellow adrenaline junkies to abseil down the maternity tower at Ipswich Hospital on 3-4 May, raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Grants, Donations & Fundraising, Third Sector, Events & Things To Do, #article, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, Barnes Construction, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The fundraising event will support improvements to patient experience across [East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/east-suffolk-and-north-essex-nhs-foundation-trust/) (ESNEFT), which runs local hospitals and community services in Ipswich and Colchester.

![A brave abseiler at a previous Extreme Abseil event](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1741957067-previous-extreme-abseiler.jpg)

A brave abseiler at a previous Extreme Abseil event (Ipswich & Colchester Hospitals Charity)

**The details:** The adrenaline-fuelled weekend promises breathtaking views and a massive pat on the back for participants who – unlike me – are brave enough to take the plunge.

**Who's taking part:** Among the courageous abseilers is Joe Alexander from Ipswich, who is conquering his fear of heights for a cause close to his heart.

"I've experienced first-hand the exceptional care and facilities provided by the staff in the Woolverstone Wing at Ipswich Hospital," he said. "The unit is out of this world - you cannot be treated in a better place."

![Joe Alexander after his second diagnosis](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1741957050-joe-alexander-after-second-diagnosis-edited.png)

Joe Alexander after his second diagnosis (Ipswich & Colchester Hospitals Charity)

**The background:** Joe was diagnosed with a rare form of testicular cancer in 2000 at age 25, and later with lymphoma in 2022\. His personal journey has inspired his commitment to supporting local healthcare services.

**What they're saying:** "We're thrilled to be hosting the Extreme Abseil once again at Ipswich Hospital," said Sandra Gosney, the charity's community fundraising and events manager. "It's a fantastic opportunity for people to challenge themselves while raising funds that make such a difference to health and healing within our community."

![Joe Alexander after his recovery](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1741957006-joe-alexander-after-his-recovery-edited.png)

Joe Alexander after his recovery (Ipswich & Colchester Hospitals Charity)

**Worth noting:** [Barnes Construction](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/barnes-construction/) is sponsoring this year's event, which the charity described as "crucial" to their fundraising activities.

**The bottom line:** Those interested in participating or making a donation can visit colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk.

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