Banbury woman to take on abseil fundraiser challenge to help a neonatal charity

Nicola Young will be abseiling 328 feet down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth this weekend to raise vital funds for SSNAP (Support for the sick newborn and their parents), the neonatal charity based at the JR hospital Oxford.

She said: "I will be abseiling off the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on Saturday 5th September 2020 to try and raise as much money as possible to SSNAP.

"SSNAP has always been a charity close to my heart, since beginning my life 34 years ago with a three week stay in a cosy incubator at the JR Hospital, after arriving into the world five weeks early."

Anyone who would like to donate to Nicola's abseil challenge fundraising campaign can use the following JustGiving web link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicolayoungSSNAP?SSNAP was formed in 1982 by a group of parents who recognised the need to assist with fundraising for additional resources for the Newborn Care Unit, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. In that time they have helped hundreds of families, funding pioneering new equipment and made sure that parents feel comfortable and cared for whilst their baby is on the Neonatal Care Unit.

Nicola added: "Over the years I have been abseiling a few buliding's to raise money for SSNAP, including The Tyne Bridge in New Castle and The Trafford Centre Bell Tower in Manchester. This however, will be the highest attempt so far at a massive 328 feet. (Over 130 feet more than I have ever abseiled).

"Without your help this will just be a nice day trip to Portsmouth. The main focus here is to raise funds for this amazing charity, which in turn will go towards them being able to continue the fantastic work they do and support so many more families.

"Please dig deep and give whatever you can. Together we can help the amazing staff and volunteers provide comfort and hope in what can be a difficult and emotional time."