East Greenwich fire station. Photo: kenjonbro.
The Fire Fighters Charity is seeking brave volunteers to abseil down one of Croydon’s tallest buildings to raise funds and to celebrate the organisation’s 70th anniversary.
On October 12, 70 dangling daredevils are expected to brave the 12 storeys of the Jurys Inn Hotel on Wellesley Road, descending approximately 50 metres to the street below.
Hannah Duggan, the regional fundraiser for the charity commented: “We are offering people a fantastic opportunity to experience a genuinely thrilling buzz and also raise money for a great cause.“
With no government funding, £9 million in public donations is required to meet the needs of the charity’s beneficiaries.
Jurys Inn Croydon. Photo: Roger W Haworth.
The Fire Fighters Charity offers a confidential and impartial helpline service, providing advice and support on a broad range of issues, as well as having a nationwide network of professional staff and trained volunteers who are ready to help locally.
“We aim to provide practical assistance and solutions to make a real difference to the lives of members of the fire service community. Your brave abseiling efforts can help us make this difference,” added Duggan.
It not only supports the UK’s 66,000 serving men and women, but also service staff, retired fire fighters and their dependents.
Three centres in Devon, Cumbria and West Sussex offer rehabilitation programmes, as well as recuperation breaks that provide the chance to relax in peaceful and tranquil surroundings, which can aid emotional recovery following illness or injury.
The experience is open to anyone over the age of 18 with no serious medical conditions.
All participants will receive a certificate to prove they did indeed take the challenge, while those that successfully raise over £100 will receive a blaze bear.
A minimum of only £70 in sponsorship is needed for entry, along with £15 in registration.
To get involved, text “abseil” to 07747565196 or email hduggan@firefighterscharity.org.uk.
By Jonathan McConnell
