Tyler goes over the edge for St Catherine’s
Tyler Saward O’Sullivan is gearing up to take on a daring abseil to thank St Catherine’s Hospice for the care they gave his mum. And he’s hoping he’ll inspire you to join him! This isn’t the first time that Tyler, 14, who lives in Northgate, Crawley has gone over the edge for St Catherine’s.
Last year, he took part in the same 100ft Superhero abseil challenge alongside his dad, Darren and older sister, Ashlee. As well as completing the adrenaline fuelled challenge, the family proved they were true superheroes by raising more than £2,000 and being crowned 2015’s top abseil fundraisers.
St Catherine’s provided Tyler and his family with support when his mum Nicola was ill. Tyler remembers the way the hospice helped while his mum was staying there: “We were allowed to come and go when we wanted, to sleep there, and when mum died, the nurses were there to sit with my sister.” The hospice also continued to support him after his mum died by providing counselling at school.
To his dad Darren, Tyler’s already a real life Superhero. Darren explains: “Tyler’s a top lad. He does so much to help me, I’m on oxygen and he’s my young carer. For 14 years old and everything he’s been through, he’s just amazing.” Darren added: “My wife stayed on St Catherine’s Inpatient Unit for two weeks. While she was there, the hospice helped her manage her illness so we could get married at a local registry office. It was a really special day. After the wedding, we went straight back to the hospice. Not many people can say they spent their honeymoon at St Catherine’s but I did. They were amazing; they put petals on the bed and made us a cake. The hospice became a second home for me, we’ll do all we can to support them.”
And why does Tyler think other people should join him at the adrenaline pumping abseil? “It has a really good atmosphere and it feels good to fundraise for such a fantastic cause,” he said. “By taking part, you’ll also help St Catherine’s support other people’s mums and their families, just like they did mine.”
St Catherine’s Superhero abseil takes place on Saturday 8 October at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Crawley. To take part, you’ll need to raise a minimum £150 sponsorship. Registration is just £25. To sign up please contact St Catherine’s Events Team on 01293 447355.
