‘Don't Look Down': 40 brave abseilers take on Northampton Lift Tower for blood cancer charity

Lymphoma Action is holding its "Don't Look Down" challenge at the tower on Saturday, September 19, with 40 people taking part – one for every year the charity has been supporting people affected by lymphoma. The daredevil challenge will see participants descend 40 storeys down the Northampton landmark, with each abseil expected to take between eight and 20 minutes. Among those taking the plunge will be Deborah Laing, the charity's director of fundraising and communications. Deborah said: "I've worked for Lymphoma Action for more than three and a half years now, and over that time I have been blown away by the incredible support the charity offers to people diagnosed with lymphoma. "I wanted to help make sure Lymphoma Action can continue providing trusted information and tailored services to everyone facing this complex form of blood cancer. "With September also being Blood Cancer Awareness Month, taking on a challenge like this feels like a great way to raise both funds and awareness." She continued: 'Whenever I've taken part in or attended Lymphoma Action events the best part is always coming together with other members of our lymphoma community. "I'm expecting a great atmosphere and lots of camaraderie as we all face the challenge together – I'll certainly need some encouragement from my fellow abseilers, as I have never taken part in an abseil before and have no idea how I'll feel when I get up there! "But I know that it will be a brilliant experience and that the team from Lymphoma Action will be supporting me every step of the way. "To anyone thinking of taking part, I'd say just take the plunge and go for it." More than 18,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK every year, according to Lymphoma Action. Deborah added: "Knowing that the funds I'm raising will support people affected by lymphoma when they need it most is massive motivation. "Every step taken down the tower by our brave abseil team will help make sure no one faces lymphoma alone, giving people the information, support and community they need from day one." Another participant, Marie said: 'This will be a big challenge for me, but seeing how brave Sarah has been throughout her fight has made me determined to do this for her and others affected by lymphoma. Sarah will be there on the day to cheer me on, along with family and friends. I'm looking forward to celebrating with them all after completing the challenge.' September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of blood cancers and the symptoms people should look out for. Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, which can include leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Common symptoms can include: - unexplained bruising or bleeding - unexplained pain in the bones or joints - frequent or persistent infections - an unexplained fever or high temperature - unexplained weight loss - tiredness that does not improve with rest - lumps or swelling anywhere on the body - drenching night sweats - paleness - shortness of breath - an unexplained rash or itchy skin Not everyone with blood cancer will experience the same symptoms, and these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Anyone concerned about symptoms or changes in their health should speak to their GP. For more information about blood cancer symptoms, visit Blood Cancer UK. People can find out more about Lymphoma Action's 40th anniversary challenge at Lymphoma Action's Don't Look Down challenge.