Derby MPs take on landmark Abseil in support of Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity

  • Written by Anita Kincade
  • Posted: 15 Aug 2026
  • 1 min read
  • Abseil Derby cathedral

Derby’s two MPs joined more than 70 fundraisers in abseiling 212 feet down Derby Cathedral this morning in support of Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, and Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, took on the annual challenge alongside NHS staff and people from across the city.

Friends and families gathered below as participants descended the cathedral tower during one of the charity’s most popular annual events.

The proceeds raised from the event will fund the extras around NHS care: projects and improvements that go beyond day-to-day hospital services, making visits more comfortable for patients and supporting staff wellbeing.

Wow - what an incredible view of our city! But It was even better to see so many people at Derby Cathedral getting behind our local hospital charity. There was a real buzz as NHS staff, local residents and fundraisers took on the challenge together.
Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity helps fund those thoughtful extras that improve patients’ experience and support the wellbeing of staff. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated or cheered us on - it was a fantastic show of support for a cause that means so much to our city.

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South

The atmosphere at Derby Cathedral was fantastic. NHS staff, local fundraisers and supporters were all there for the same reason: to do something positive for patients and staff at our hospitals.
And I’ve seen first-hand what that support can achieve. I recently visited the sensory bay in the Children’s Emergency Department, funded through Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity. It is helping young patients feel calmer and more comfortable during what can be an overwhelming experience. It’s a brilliant example of the charity adding something extra for patients alongside the care provided by our NHS, and I’m grateful to everyone who took part today to help make more projects like it possible.

Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North

I would like to say a huge thank you to Baggy and Catherine for taking part in our annual abseil event and supporting our charity. It's always such a fantastic community atmosphere and this year, it's been great to see two of our local Derby MPs supporting our NHS hospital charity and making a difference to our patients and staff. It's great to have Baggy and Catherine as supporters of our charity and we look forward to sharing more information, about our impact, with them in the future.

Jill Matthews, Chief Officer Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity