Entertainment

Man, 89, abseils 160ft down side of London hospital for charity

Frank Clark joined a number of younger participants in the fundraiser at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Frank Clark joined a number of younger participants in the fundraiser at St Thomas’ Hospital. Frank Clark joined a number of younger participants in the fundraiser at St Thomas’ Hospital.

An 89-year-old man has abseiled from the top of St Thomas’ Hospital in central London for charity.

With a unique view of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, Frank Clark embarked on the 160ft (49m) journey on Friday to raise money for Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, having been treated at both of its London hospitals in his lifetime.

Great-grandfather Mr Clark said before the abseil that it is “a tick on my bucket list”.

“I have wanted to do something wild for some time and my doctor has given me the green light, so nothing to stop me now (not even my daughter),” he wrote on his Virgin Money Giving page, where he has raised £390 of a £400 target at the time of publication.

Charity abseiling event
Charity abseiling event (Yui Mok/PA)

The fundraiser was organised to celebrate International Nurses Day on Sunday.

Mr Clark was one of a number to take on the challenge.

The funds raised will go towards Evelina London Children’s Hospital, a Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust specialist hospital for children which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.