Brave volunteers conquered their fears to raise money for charity.

Almost 100 people met at the top of Southend Hospital’s south tower to abseil 154ft to the ground.

This is the fifth year the hospital has organised a charity abseil, which has seen more than 230 people take on the challenge and raised £85,000 for about 30 different wards in the hospital.

The Echo’s own Kirsty Hough was among the abseilers, who were all raising money for the Southend Hospital Charity which buys equipment and extras to benefit the patients.

Participants were able to chose which ward or department their money will go to.

Kirsty, 27, who works as the Echo’s audience and content manager in Basildon, said: “It was brilliant fun.

“Everyone was really welcoming and there was a great atmosphere with the DJs there.

“When you were at the top of the tower, you got a fantastic view over Southend but that is when the nerves really kicked in because you really realised how high you were.

“Because you come down backwards, it wasn’t actually too bad as long as you didn’t look down.

“The applause and photo at the bottom was great and everyone got a certificate, which was a nice touch.

“I want to do it again next year.”

Other abseilers included Philip Miller, chief executive of Stockvale, the company behind Adventure Island, despite his fear of heights, as well as the team at Radio Essex.

The volunteers still have time to collect the funds. Check back for a total of how much they raised.