FORMER Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe joined a massive fundraising effort today (Thursday, January 28) at Whiston Hospital.

Crowds formed outside the hospital's main entrance as staff, patients and visitors cheered on those abseiling in pairs down the front of the building - a drop of more than 45 feet.

The sun shone as more than 120 people got kitted up in harness and helmet for the daredevil stunt.

Thousands of pounds were raised for the relaunch of Whiston and St Helens Hospitals' Charity, which will ensure patients have a more comfortable stay in hospital and finance additional training for staff.

Ahead of the abseil, retired rugby league player Paul Sculthorpe, 38, told the Star: "I haven't got a great head for heights but I've done a few abseils before - and a skydive - so I know what I'm letting myself in for.

"It's for a good cause - I personally know people who've been cared for here, and it's already wonderful. This charity will only make things better for people who need hospital care."

Many patients and members of staff signed up for the abseil, including patient Julie Lynam, who abseiled with Paul. One senior member of staff abseiled in his kilt, after giving a bagpipe performance.

A spokesperson for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We have had a charity in the past, but people didn't really know about it. Through the rebranding and renaming of the charity, we're hoping to raise more awareness of it - so hopefully people will choose to donate to it."

Ann Marr, chief executive, said: "We are very excited about our charity and there will be lots of fun ways for our local community to get involved through fundraising or volunteering."