FORMER army veteran Andy Reid has helped to raise thousands of pounds for St Helens and Whiston Hospitals' Charity by joining more than 100 fundraisers to abseil down both St Helens and Whiston hospitals.

Over two days, the hospitals took it in turn to host the abseil, with money being raised for services and departments across both sites.

Afghanistan veteran and triple amputee Andy abseiled down Whiston Hospital to the cheers of the watching crowd.

Before the abseil, Andy said: "It's for such a good cause; both Whiston and St Helens hospitals are vital for the local community and I am happy to support this charity.

"Fundraising can only make things better for people who need hospital care."

The charity was launched in January 2016, with ambassador and Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe taking on the first ever abseil event at Whiston Hospital.

This year was the first time St Helens Hospital got in on the action with over 100 intrepid fundraisers taking on the drops, including many staff, patients - and so far they have raised over £8,000.

A number of staff dressed as superheroes for the abseil, including Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman and Ghostbusters.

Chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley NHS Hospitals Trust, Ann Marr, said: "Our hospitals' charity has really become a much-loved addition to the trust and it is wonderful to see how our staff, patients and local community have embraced it, coming up with some wonderful ideas to raise money.

"We can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support."

For more about the charity go to WSHospitalsCharity.org and anyone wishing to make a donation can visit justgiving.com/WSHospsCharity or they can donate by text, texting WSHC11 followed by £5 or £10 to 70070.