Broome family to conquer fears for charity

The family of a four-year-old Broome girl who had life-saving heart surgery last year are gearing up to face their fears and abseil down a 52-storey building in the name of charity.

Molly Annesley, pictured, was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital for an emergency operation on her heart in October after being diagnosed with a narrowing of the aorta — a defect parents Vanessa and Patrick did not know she had had since birth.

The couple made the 2000km journey to be by their beloved daughter’s side in the city, along with another of their children Kira, 16.

While helping young Molly stay strong in her fight, the trio were given accommodation at Ronald McDonald House, where they were given complimentary meals, counselling and activities during the toughest time in their lives.

Nearly a year after Molly’s successful surgery, the tight-knit family have found a way to show their appreciation — even if it involves them conquering an enormous fear of heights.

Mr and Mrs Annesley will abseil down the 220m Central Park structure in Perth next month in an attempt to raise $7000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, joined by daughters Chelsea Siebert and Ruth Annesley.

The team of four are among 300 descenders who are raising funds for a range of organisations for three days from September 13, in a charity event known as the Central Park Plunge.

Mrs Annesley said she was terrified at the thought of the abseil but there was no way she was backing out.

“I have never abseiled before so we arranged a little trial when I was in Perth recently, down a 15m wall, and I was in tears because I am petrified of heights,” she said. “But we have been through worse so I will be doing this. Pulling out is not an option.”

Mrs Annesley said the week before Molly’s operation in Perth was nothing short of “hell”.

“It was very, very difficult for us all, especially because we had to look brave for Molly, but it was horrible,” she said. “The Ronald McDonald House made it all that much easier and we are all so grateful so that is why we did not hesitate when we saw an opportunity to give back to this worthy cause.”

To donate to the family’s abseil on September 13, visit cpp19-rmhp.everydayhero. com/au/think-water-broome-molly-s-mob.