If you’ve ever wanted to abseil for charity, but haven’t got round to it, you have a few months to pluck up the courage to raise funds for two local hospices.

Forest Holme in Poole and Macmillan Caring Locally in Christchurch, who collectively provide palliative and end-of-life care from the Isle of Purbeck right across to Ringwood, decided to partner together to organise an abseil day on 9 July at Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower. Both hospices now form part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust following last year’s merger.

Charlie James, fundraiser at Forest Holme, said: “Since the hospital merger, our clinical teams have been working closely together to help improve patient care, so it made sense for the charities to work together on an event to raise money to support that care.”

The abseil experience is described as an amazing adrenalin rush and involves a 100-metre descent down the side of Portsmouth’s iconic landmark, with unmissable views across Portsmouth harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

Barry Wilson, events and media manager at Macmillan Caring Locally, said: “Stepping off that ledge is a huge challenge for many. In previous abseil events we have seen tears turn to joy as our supporters face their fears. What better chance to do something extraordinary whilst raising money for two amazing, local causes? One 100ft abseil has the potential to help hundreds in our community.”

Both charities have 20 spaces each, which are filling-up quickly, and registration is £50 per person with a £200 minimum sponsorship. Participants can choose which hospice to support by visiting either www.forestholmehospice.org.uk/events/ or www.macmillanlocal.org/events-and-challenges