An 82-year-old daredevil from Southport has smashed his fundraising target after abseiling 100-ft down Liverpool Football Club’s iconic Anfield stadium.
Brave John Blackhurst set himself a target of raising £150 for Queenscourt Hospice through his challenge on Sunday (16th July 2023).
But the fanatical Liverpool FC fan’s fundraising efforts have attracted huge support, with over £1,600 raised already.
People are able to donate to his fundraising page on the JustGiving website here.
John was inspired to take on the abseil after Queenscourt Hospice, in Southport, provided excellent end-of-life care to his daughter’s husband and also to his granddaughter’s husband.
John Blackhurst, 82, has completed a 100ft abseil at Liverpool Football Clubs Anfield stadium to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport
A keen Liverpool FC fan since the 1950s, he had never done an abseil before but enjoyed his daring feat – even touching the Liverpool FC signage on the side of the stadium on his way down!
John, a proud Dad to three children with nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, founded Blackhurst Butchers 60 years ago. The business is today based at Southport Market and is run by his son, Tony, who accompanied his Dad to Anfield.
John Blackhurst said: “It was a fantastic experience! I really enjoyed it.
“I was the only abseiler on the day who managed to touch the Liverpool FC sign on the side of the ground which was great! It was a special moment.
John Blackhurst, 82, has completed a 100ft abseil at Liverpool Football Clubs Anfield stadium to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport
“I had to touch it, being a lifelong Liverpool FC fan.
“It was a really good day. The staff there gave me a free tour of the ground and the trophy room, which was fantastic.
“It was a great day with my family too. They were all there cheering me on as I did my abseil.
“They were all taking pictures and videos with their phones!
John Blackhurst, 82, has completed a 100ft abseil at Liverpool Football Clubs Anfield stadium to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport
“We all went out for a nice Indian meal afterwards.
“The publicity through Stand Up For Southport, through Sean Styles on BBC Radio Merseyside, the Southport Visiter and everyone else has been terrific.
“The fundraising really took off after all the awareness raised. It has rocketed to over £1,500 now.
“I would like to thank every single person who has donated, or sent good luck messages, and to all my sponsors.
“I am really pleased with how much support I’ve received from so many people. I am just keen to keep that going now and raise as much money as I can for Queenscourt Hospice.
“This was the first time I have ever done an abseil! I loved it.
“I may be 82 years old but there is always a first time for everything!
“I will never forget this experience.”
John Blackhurst, 82, has completed a 100ft abseil at Liverpool Football Clubs Anfield stadium to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport
John’s abseil came about when his daughter, Julie Rimmer, bought the opportunity for him as a Father’s Day gift.
John said: “I thought if I’m going to be doing something so challenging at my age, then I should at least be doing it for charity! I really wanted to raise money for Queenscourt Hospice.
“My daughter’s husband, Stephen, sadly died at Queenscourt.
“The end of life care they gave him was just fantastic. It’s a very special place, the people who work there are amazing. We even had a birthday party there for him outside in the lovely gardens before he sadly passed away the next day.
“Stephen’s son, Matthew Rimmer, came with me to Anfield.
“My granddaughter, Jade Hooper, lost her husband, Stuart, at just 31 years old. He had a rare form of Ewings sarcoma cancer and was given care at Queenscourt too.
“Both Stuart and Steve were both fit, strong young men who loved outdoor pursuits and adventure so it only seemed right to attempt this challenge in memory of them.”
John Blackhurst, 82, (centre) has completed a 100ft abseil at Liverpool Football Clubs Anfield stadium to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport. He is pictured with son Tony Blackhurst (right) and Matthew Rimmer (left),
Queenscourt Hospice is a local charity that provides end of life support and care for the people of Southport, West Lancashire and Formby.
The charity cares for patients with serious illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life at each new stage.
Queenscourt cares for patients both in the hospice and at home through its In-Patient Unit, Queenscourt Connect and Queenscourt at Home services.
The charity requires over 100 professional staff members to stay open, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and many other roles.
- If you would like to support John Blackhurst in his charity abseil for Queenscourt Hospice please visit his JustGiving page here.
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