Two Heywood girls abseil down Liverpool Cathedral for Rainbow House

L-R: Jade Kilduff, Christian Kilduff and Ashleigh Haigh

Two Heywood girls did a freefall abseil 150-feet down Liverpool Cathedral recently to raise funds for Rainbow House, Mawdesley – the charity which supports children and young people with physical and neurological disabilities.

Jade Kilduff, 17, and Ashleigh Haigh, 17, who raised over £250, took on the challenge because Jade’s brother, Christian, three, attends conductive education at Rainbow House, which offers rehabilitation, education and fun for children, young people and adults with neurological conditions such a cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, MS and genetic conditions.

The girls, who have been friends since they met at dance class when they were both three and love adrenaline filled activities, said: “We wanted to raise money for Rainbow House because we wanted to thank them for the difference they have made to Christian’s life.”

Jade’s mum, Diana, said, “Christian was stillborn, and it took over 20 minutes for doctors to resuscitate him.  Due to lack of oxygen, he suffered brain damage and has cerebral palsy and is severely sight impaired. 

“In the 16 months he has been attending Rainbow House, he has made incredible progress in his development and has achieved things we were told he might never be able to do. The work they do at Rainbow House is amazing and the support they have given us as a family has been fantastic.”

Ben Blackman, CEO of Rainbow House, said: “Congratulations to Jade and Ashleigh on a fantastic achievement.  Every penny helps us achieve our aim of becoming a centre of excellence for children and young people with neurological and physical disabilities.

“It is particularly amazing when children themselves undertake a challenge to support other children and our thanks go to them, their family and the Rotary Club of South Sefton who made it possible.”