March 03, 2026 - 235 views
Thrill-seekers are being urged to take a step back — quite literally — for a good cause this May as Hope House Tŷ Gobaith hosts a sponsored abseil down one of Anglesey’s most recognisable landmarks.
On Saturday May 9, fundraisers will descend 89 feet down the iconic Marquess of Anglesey Column in Llanfairpwll, overlooking the Menai Strait. Participants will be guided safely to the ground by professional instructors from Go Vertical.
The event, running from 9am to 5pm, is open to anyone ready to take on the challenge. Entry costs £30, with each participant committing to raise at least £150 in sponsorship. As well as the adrenaline rush and spectacular views, fundraisers will receive a bespoke event T-shirt and a light lunch.
Organiser Nikki Sullivan said the setting makes it a truly special experience.
“Spring will be in the air and so you will if you join us this May for our abseil,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful location and atmosphere on the day – plus with allocated time slots you can plan a wider visit to Anglesey. Come join us and ensure we can continue on our mission to reach every child and family locally who are living with a life-threatening condition and give them access to respite, nursing, counselling and therapeutic play free of charge.”
The charity is also appealing for local businesses to come forward as supporting partners. In 2025, the event was backed by Menai Heating, whose support helped maximise funds raised for hospice care.
Jamie Jones from Menai Heating said sponsoring the event had been a privilege.
“We would strongly encourage other organisations to consider partnering with Hope House Tŷ Gobaith. The difference they make to families facing the most challenging circumstances is profound and lasting,” he said.
“After attending the open day and seeing firsthand the environment the team have created for children and their families, it truly reinforced why their work is so important. Seeing how donations directly contribute to creating a safe, comforting and uplifting space was both humbling and inspiring.”
Hope House Tŷ Gobaith provides specialist nursing care and support to more than 750 children and their families across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.
The charity operates two hospices — Hope House in Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith in Conwy — offering care from diagnosis through a child’s lifetime and beyond. Services include respite care, symptom management, counselling, therapeutic play and bereavement support.
It costs around £10 million each year to run the charity’s services. Only around two months’ income comes from statutory sources, with the remaining funding reliant on public donations and fundraising events such as the Anglesey Abseil.
Those interested in taking part can sign up online, while businesses keen to explore sponsorship opportunities can contact the organisers directly.
For those brave enough to step over the edge, it promises to be a memorable day — and one that will make a lasting difference to local children and families when they need it most.
