A HOSPITAL charity was forced to cancel its Halloween abseil at the 11th hour because Christmas lights posed a danger.

The Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals charity had invited fundraisers to abseil down Colchester Town Hall on Thursday.

Money raised from the event would have gone towards the Cancer Centre Campaign at Colchester Hospital.

It was the first time the charity has hosted the event on Halloween.

However, the challenge had to be called off at the last minute.

The wires put up for the town centre Christmas lights would have posed a health and safety risk to abseilers.

Caroline Bates, head of fundraising for the Cancer Centre Campaign, which is backed by the Gazette, said it was disappointing and staff were talking to participants about refunds.

She said: “We haven’t worked out what we are going to do in terms of re-running the event.

“We will offer people their money back if need be.

“We haven’t heard from Colchester Council yet but we have a really good relationship with it.”

Between 25 and 30 people had registered to take the plunge and collect sponsorship for the cancer centre for their efforts. Luckily most of them were contacted before they set off for the town hall.

Mrs Bates said: “Council staff had cleared the space for us to use.

“Instructors said if someone were to put their hand out and touch the wires, it would just be too dangerous.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We regret this situation has arisen.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to safely support the abseil.

“Colchester Events Company will work with the trust to find a suitable date in the new year for them to hold the abseil.”

Work is progressing well on the £3.25 million cancer centre which is next to the radiotherapy centre.

The new centre will provide chemotherapy and other treatments as well as a wellness clinic and support services.

The centre is due to open later this month after years of fundraising and appeals.