Fundraising becomes an extreme sport at the stadium

The Abseil and Adventure Day has become an annual event following two sellout days in 2021, as well as the incredible world record-breaking abseil event in 2022, organised by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Outer Limits Adventure Fitness, with Brighter Lives the charity beneficiary.

This year, sponsored by Avanti Health Centre in partnership with Townsville Hospital and Health Service, proceeds will go towards improving healthcare services, supporting medical research, and enhancing patient experiences for hospitals and health services in the Townsville region.

Brighter Lives CEO Tanya Busoli said the past events have raised tens of thousands of dollars “to brighten the lives of patients, visitors and staff across the Townsville hospital and health service” by purchasing things like specialised furniture and rehabilitation equipment to help patients.

But it’s not a fundraiser for the faint of heart with Ms Busoli joking that although she has abseiled before, this was a little “too hardcore” for her.

“Just watching them climb over the side gives me nausea,” Ms Busoli said.

Unafraid to make the descent was the Cowboys women’s team, the North Queensland Gold Stars, as well as Townsville Fire star, Stephanie Reid, who has been an ambassador for Brighter Lives for the past six months.

“It was a little bit scary but it was a really good view of the stadium,” Ms Reed said.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the ability to do it here at Queensland Country Bank Stadium is so cool, especially for Cowboys fans.”

For her, partnering with Brighter Lives has allowed her to see first-hand the work they do with the hospital and the community with Ms Reed saying she has built some really special relationships with patients.

“What they (Brighter Lives) do is unmatched and if you can get around it in any way you should do that,” Ms Reed said.

To donate to support Brighter Lives people can visit brighterlives.org.au.