Daredevil father and daughter take fundraising to new heights

A father and daughter abseiled 160ft down St Thomas’ Hospital to thank NHS staff for their loved one’s cancer care.

Derrick Sanyahumbi, 55, and Sophia, 17, were among more than 300 thrill-seekers who took part in the annual St Thomas’ Abseil, to raise money for Guy's & St Thomas' Charity, Guy’s Cancer Charity and Evelina London Children's Charity.

The pair, from Beckenham in south east London, took on the daredevil challenge after Derrick’s wife and Sophia’s mum, Sarah, was treated for stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2018, and again in 2020. She underwent chemotherapy treatment at the Cancer Centre at Guy’s and had surgery at St Thomas’ Hospital. She is currently taking a targeted cancer drug to keep the cancer at bay and has regular check-ups.

Sarah, 57, said: "When I did my own abseil for the Pain Management Unit that had supported my friend, Ali, back in 2000, I never thought I'd be a patient here myself. Guy’s and St Thomas’ have been a huge part of my cancer journey over the last six years and I'm massively grateful to all the staff who helped me.”

The mother-of-two added: “When Sophia told me she wanted to do her own abseil, and roped her dad in too, I was so proud. Hopefully we can help raise lots of money so even more people can benefit from the excellent care I've been fortunate enough to receive."

Derrick and Sophia have both abseiled in the past but it was the first time either of them had abseiled down a building.

Sophia, an A-Level student and swimming coach, said:

I have abseiled with the Scouts and enjoy it, but had never done anything this high before. It was really great fun and I’m glad to have done it for such an important cause. It was not as scary as I had imagined. The views from the top were incredible and I would do it all over again. 

Derrick, a freelance consultant and school governor, said: “It felt great and I enjoyed the experience. It’s great to have supported in a small way the work of Guy’s and St Thomas’.” 

To support Derrick and Sophia, please visit fundraise.gsttcharity.org.uk/pf/derrick-sanyahumbi 

Now in its ninth year, the annual St Thomas' Abseil, sponsored by Livingbridge, raises money for Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Guy’s Cancer Charity and Evelina London Children’s Charity.

The recent event saw more than 300 people abseil down 14 floors of St Thomas’ Hospital, including 150 members of staff from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.