Teen follows in dad’s footsteps with Ipswich Hospital abseil after his sudden death A teenager from Ipswich is preparing to take on Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Extreme Abseil in memory of their dad, Matt Nicholls, after turning down the chance to do it alongside him last year. Em Nicholls, who will be 16 at the time of the challenge, will take part in the adrenaline-fuelled abseil at Ipswich Hospital on Saturday, 6 June. Sponsored by Eastern Lift Services, the event will see Em bravely step over the edge in honour of their father, who completed the challenge himself in 2025. At the time, Em had been given the opportunity to take part but decided not to. Tragically, just months later, Matt died suddenly in July from a deep vein thrombosis that led to blood clots in his lungs. Now, Em is determined to follow in his fundraising footsteps. Describing the challenge, Em said: “It’s terrifying… but I’ve signed up now so I have to do it,” adding: “I think Dad would be proud.” Last year, Matt took on the abseil to raise money for the hospital’s paediatric play team, who supported Em during cancer treatment six years ago. This year, Em and their family have chosen to support the hospital’s Time Garden Appeal, which will transform a disused courtyard into a peaceful space for patients at the end-of-life to spend precious time with loved ones. The garden will provide a private and calm environment away from busy wards, giving families the chance to make lasting memories together, including time outdoors and visits from beloved pets, something Em and their mum, Vicki, sadly did not have the chance to experience. Vicki said: “We wanted to do something meaningful and continue fundraising, but support somewhere different this time. The Time Garden felt like the right choice.” Em will be supported by friends cheering them on as they take on the challenge, one that is both deeply personal and incredibly brave. The Charity say Em’s story highlights the powerful reasons people take part and are encouraging others across Suffolk and Essex to sign up. Participants can choose to fundraise for the Time Garden Appeal or support East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) wards or departments that mean the most to them. Grace Wilson, the charity’s Assistant Fundraising and Events Manager, said: “This is about more than just the challenge, it’s about making a real difference and a lasting impact for patients and families. Em’s story is incredibly moving, and we’d love more people to get involved and help us be there for families long into the future.” “We would also like to express our thanks to Eastern Lift Services who have proudly sponsored this year's Abseil.” Spaces are still available and can be booked at: colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/Event/extreme-abseil-2026 To support Em's fundraising visit http://www.justgiving.com/page/emnicholls Manage Cookie Preferences