FUNDRAISERS will take on a 100-foot abseil from the top of the John Radcliffe Hospital in aid of local charities on Sunday.

And one volunteer, June Kuffour, from Barton, is going to abseil down the side of the Women’s Centre in memory of former Barton Community Association vice-president Barry Holden, who died last August from heart failure.

Miss Kuffour, who works as a senior ward housekeeper in the Heart Centre, cared for Mr Holden before he passed away and is now raising cash for the ward to buy a bladder scanner for patients.

The 44-year-old said: “I’m doing it in memory of my best friend Sue’s husband Barry, and I’m hoping to raise money for the place I work at.

“Part of the money I’m raising is for us to try to buy a bladder scanner. Patients need it when they come out of operations and it’s a very important piece of equipment.

“If we had that piece of equipment then it would stop us needing to run around the rest of the hospital to borrow one.”

Miss Kuffour said Mr Holden was “a true legend” who always made her laugh.

She added: “I have done abseiling when I was a teenager but I’m not sure how I’ll feel when I get up there.”

On Sunday the grandmother will be cheered on by daughter Celeste, 20, and eight-month-old grandson Tarrus as she tries to reach her £400 fundraising target.

Mrs Holden said: “If anyone wants to hear how loud June can really shout then turn up on June 14 at 3pm just before she dangles over the edge.

“I know she will appreciate support from everyone who turns up, and if they choose to donate as well that will be even better.”

Another volunteer taking part is Glenys Ray, 61, from Cholsey, who is abseiling in support of the “wonderful” Cancer Centre that cared for her.

In 2011, Ms Ray was diagnosed with Lymphoma and underwent months of treatment at the John Radcliffe, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She has now recovered and is full of praise for the team that cared for her.

Ms Ray said: “I want to cuddle them all, the doctors and nurses were just fantastic and I cannot thank them enough.

“I’ve done a tandem skydive before, but this is something new. I’m quite nervous but it’s for such a good cause and that’s what will get me through.”

It costs £20 to take part in the abseil and the hospital has asked that participants aim to raise £100 or more in sponsorship for their chosen charities.

They include The Cancer Care Fund, The Childhood Cancer Research Fund, The Wantage Maternity Unit, The Oxford Heart Centre and the Oxford University Hospitals General Funds.

The Wantage Hospital midwives will also take part in the challenge and hope the money raised can go towards providing extra care for parents of babies at the Wantage Maternity Unit.

Midwife Clare Eveson-Roberts said: “I’m very nervous about doing it but it’s in aid of somewhere really special and we want to make the unit a home away from home for parents with babies in the hospital.”

If you would like to donate or take part in the abseil, visit ouh.nhs.uk/charity