Lacey Ward completes hospital abseil after surgeries
Lacey Ward, an 18-year-old from Dover, completed a 160-foot abseil down St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The descent followed three successful surgeries at Evelina London Children’s Hospital to correct miserable malalignment syndrome, raising £600 for the hospital charity.
Overcoming a Rare Condition Through Multiple Surgeries
Ward was diagnosed with miserable malalignment syndrome (MMS) at age 14, after experiencing pain in her knee since she was five years old. The condition required three separate surgical procedures performed between 2024 and 2026 at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Her younger brother has also received treatment for the same condition at the facility.
Reflecting on her medical journey, Ward praised the institution’s medical staff. “The care from Evelina is amazing. They got me through my diagnosis when I thought nobody was able to help me,” she said.
The 160-Foot Charity Descent
To give back to the hospital, Ward took part in a charity abseil down the 160ft (48.77m) side of St Thomas’ Hospital on Saturday. Despite initial nerves, she successfully completed the drop and doubled her original fundraising goal, bringing in £600 for the children’s hospital charity.
“Afterwards I felt very proud of myself as I pushed through my fear and completed it. It was very high and I didn’t think I could do it but I’m so glad I did,” Ward stated. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the funds raised will directly support research, therapeutic play, and family support programs at the hospital.
Following the successful landing, Ward expressed enthusiasm for future charity events, noting that the views from the top were amazing and that she would gladly repeat the experience next year.
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