Dozens of people are set to abseil down the 11-storey tower block at Stevenage's Lister Hospital on Sunday to raise funds for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity.
Among those taking part is 18-year-old student Tom Brett, who has signed up to thank A&E staff at the hospital for saving his life.
Tom thought he had a common cold in November last year, but after four days he became paralysed and lost his ability to speak.
He was taken to A&E at Lister and immediately placed on a ventilator, before being transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge that night for life-saving surgery.
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"Fluid that had quickly built up in my sinuses had penetrated my skull and was surrounding my brain," Tom explained. "Without surgery, it would have compressed my brain and killed me.
“Fortunately, the craniotomy surgery was a success and, following further surgery to drain fluid from behind my eye, the team were able to save my sight.
“I was still completely paralysed for 12 days after the surgery, but received the most amazing care and am now recovering well.
“My consultant has given me the OK, so I am taking on the Lister abseil challenge to raise funds to show my gratitude to the A&E department at Lister Hospital. Their super-quick actions and transfer to Addenbrooke's Hospital saved my life. I am so incredibly grateful and fortunate. Life is precious."
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Also taking part in the abseiling challenge is Jo Fox, to thank the Lister staff who have cared for her nine-month-old baby, Arthur.
Arthur was born with an extremely rare metabolic disorder called ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and has been in and out of hospital since birth.
The family have been so impressed with the staff at Lister that they want to give something back.
So far, they have taken part in quizzes, cake sales, supper clubs and fun runs.
Now, Jo, 36 and from Hitchin, is preparing for the Lister abseil.
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She said: "The abseil is going to be pretty scary! Thankfully, I’ve got three great friends who will be there doing it with me.
"None of us have ever done anything like this before and we aren't massively fond of heights, but are going to don the helmets and harnesses to hopefully raise some money for the children's Bluebell Ward .
"I’m in awe of how caring and knowledgeable the doctors and nurses are, especially with a child with such a rare condition.
"We hope the funds will be used to buy equipment, toys and books for poorly children like Arthur and make the ward even more of a comfortable place for the parents to stay, and a brighter environment for the hard-working staff."
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Arthur was accepted onto the liver transplant waiting list last month and it is hoped an organ will become available, cure him of his disease and give him a second chance.
To donate to Tom, visit justgiving.com/page/thomas-brett2004.
To donate to Jo, visit justgiving.com/team/abseilingforarthur.
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