Bacton teenager abseils for East Anglia's Children's Hospices

Yafa Arabi abseiled down The Forum in Norwich on March 24, raising more than £1,000.

Her 10-year-old brother, Abed, who has complex needs, receives support at The Treehouse in Ipswich.

Miss Arabi said: “I’d describe it as terrifying but fulfilling. I was most anxious in the moments before I started coming down. That was the worst bit but when I was underway I quite enjoyed it. By the time I got to the bottom, I was ready to do it again!

“I’m proud of myself for having the courage to do it and also grateful to everyone who supported and encouraged me by donating.”

EACH provides support for babies, children, young people and their families covering everything from hospice care, specialist nursing, and family activities, to end-of-life care.

“Abed is an absolute angel - my favourite person in the world and the best thing in my life,” Miss Arabi said.

Speaking about her brother’s time at The Treehouse, the teenager continued: “The staff have helped and offered such amazing support, which I know they also do for so many other people. Abed enjoys music therapy, the sensory room and being in the pool for hydrotherapy. It’s the perfect mix.

“The Treehouse is somewhere he feels included and it’s about focusing on the things he can do, rather than the things he can’t.”

Supported by parents Jalal and Rita and nan Hilary, Yafa has so far raised £1,088.

Mum Rita said: “Yafa is the one person who can always make Abed smile, even if he’s in pain or uncomfortable. She never fails to make him laugh.”

More than 70 people took part in the Norwich abseil for EACH, raising a total of £18,200.

Emma Cook, EACH senior events fundraiser, said: “We were delighted to raise so much and hope those that took part felt rightly proud of themselves.

“They conquered their fears to do something special and we’re extremely grateful, as we are to those who made donations and showed such outstanding support.”