At a Glance
- Anna Firth and David Stanley BEM took part in the annual “Tackle the Tower” charity abseil at Southend Hospital
- Funds are being raised to take the Music Man Project to Broadway this October
- More than £16,200 has already been raised
- The Music Man Project supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities
Former MP and Patron of the Sir David Amess Music Man Project, Anna Firth and David Stanley BEM, Founder of the Music Man Project, raised record amounts on Saturday in the annual “Tackle the Tower” charity abseil at Southend Hospital.
On Saturday, 16th May 2026, Former MP and Patron of the Music Man Project, Anna Firth and Music Man CEO, David Stanley BEM, donned safety harnesses and helmets to take part in the annual “Tackle the Tower” charity abseil at Southend Hospital to raise funds to get the Southend-born Music Man Project to Broadway this October.
CEO David Stanley BEM, dressed in his iconic black musical tie and white glitzy jacket, and Anna Firth, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, took the lift to the 9th floor. They then walked the remaining two flights of steps to access the Hospital rooftop leading to the 154 foot abseil drop zone and then, cheered on by the amazing Music Man Global Ambassadors, commenced the 2-minute dare-devil descent.
The annual event, now in its 11th year, has seen 676 people raise over £270,000 since it began and is open to anyone aged 14 and over, with all necessary safety equipment needed on the day provided.
For Firth this was her 3rd charity abseil but for Stanley this was his first attempt to “Tackle the Tower”.
David Stanley BEM, Music Man Project Founder and CEO, said as follows:
“What a fantastic experience. I am so grateful to Southend Hospital and all the volunteers for putting on this amazing fundraising opportunity. This was my first time ‘Tackling the Tower’ and it was certainly nerve wracking getting over the lip of the roof, but the abseil safety team were outstanding. It was wonderful to hear all the Music Man Project ambassadors cheering as we came down. We are all incredibly grateful to Anna for her amazing fundraising and her ongoing support for our cause.”
The Music Man Project provides unique music and performance opportunities for children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities. This incredible charity was founded in Leigh-on-Sea by David Stanley BEM some 27 years ago with one disabled student.
Supported and championed by Sir David Amess MP, David has grown the Music Man Project into an international phenomenon performing in the most iconic venues all over the world from the Royal Albert Hall to Milan and from the Canadian International Tattoo in Nova Scotia to San Diego in California.
Former MP and Patron of the Music Man Project Anna Firth, said as follows:
“It was Sir David’s dream that the Music Man Project would one day perform on Broadway and this October on the 5th anniversary of Sir David’s tragic murder, we intend to make that dream come true. Taking the Music Man Project to New York to celebrate the life of Sir David Amess, means so much as not only will it cement Sir David’s legacy as the Music Man’s greatest champion, it will showcase to the world the amazing contribution that disabled students can make to the arts, to music and to society.
“I am absolutely thrilled that we have already raised over £16,200, the most I have ever raised in a single charity event, and wish to thank everyone who has kindly donated.”
If anyone still wants to donate the link is:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/anna-firth-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020