If we can do it, so can you.The Oxford Mail is sending three intrepid reporters over the edge of the John Radcliffe Hospital to help raise money for pioneering research.

Despite a combined fear of heights, hospitals and getting up early on a Sunday morning, reporters Amanda Williams, Fran Bardsley and Rhianne Pope decided to take the plunge and complete a 100ft charity abseil.

The Oxford University Hospitals Trust (OUH) charitable funds team has been holding abseils from the top of the John Radcliffe Women’s Centre for more than 10 years.

In that time thousands of pounds have been raised for the many different pioneering research projects and specialist equipment at the hospital.

The next, on Sunday, June 17, will raise money for the Oxford Cancer Centre, the Heads Up Head and Neck Cancer project, and Cellular Immunology Research.

The latter helps people with antibody deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis.

Miss Williams said having reported on many of the brave abseilers before, she had always been tempted to give it a go herself.

She added: “To be honest I’m a bit of a wimp. I’m trying not to think about how high it is.

“But I’ve always admired the people who do this sort of thing to raise money for the hospital.

“I was born at the JR and we all have friends and loved ones who have received first-class care here, and this is a chance to say thank you.

“I am scared of heights, and I’m not what you would call a Sunday morning person, but I’m really looking forward to putting myself in the shoes of the many abseilers who have gone before us.”

Ms Bardsley said the idea of going over the top of a hospital both terrified and excited her.

She said: “I tried abseiling once before and remember that terrifying moment of going over the edge.

“This is from a much greater height so I can only imagine that fear will be multiplied 10-fold.

“As a journalist, I have heard countless stories about the good work that goes on at the JR but I must admit to a secret fear of hospitals.

“But I think it’s time to put that aside and this seems like a perfect opportunity to do so.”

Miss Pope added: “I have done a skydive before and I always quite like a challenge.

“We do so many stories and hear so much about the good work the teams here at the JR do, it’s great to be able to give something back.”

The abseil will be held on Sunday June 17, from 9am.

To find out how to get involved, go to ouh.nhs.uk/news/events