London Ambulance Charity supporters raise £28k with “terrifying and exhilarating” abseil

A team of brave volunteers have completed a 42 metre abseil to raise money for the London Ambulance Charity.

The daring thrill-seekers scaled the famous Tottenham Hotspur stadium before stepping off the edge to raise a staggering £28,000 in sponsorship.

Mother and daughter Carole and Joanne Morison were among the first to take the plunge.

Carole, a volunteer with St John Ambulance, said: “It was brilliant – I loved it. And it’s for a cause very close to my heart because the charity supports people to learn how to save lives.”

Joanne, a police officer, said: “My mum has inspired me to do this today. She’s pretty brave! I also teach first aid at work so I love what the charity is doing to help people train in CPR.”

Money raised for the London Ambulance Charity helps to provide free training in life-saving skills and provide defibrillators for areas in London where they are needed most. Money also goes towards supporting the wellbeing of hard-working ambulance crews and calls handlers.

After the abseil, waitress Jackie Bell said: “That was great! I love to do challenging things and inspire my grandkids and show them they can do anything.

“I’ve also been cared for by the NHS so it’s great to be able to do something for the London Ambulance Charity – you never know when you might need them.”

Michelle Sibley works in Health and Safety and surprised herself by signing up for the challenge.

She said: “Working in my field, I’m always considering what can go wrong – especially when you’re at the top of a building! It was scary but I’m so pleased to have done it.”

A group of colleagues from the global investment firm Oaktree Capital Management joined the challenge for a team bonding day.

Vice President Nicola Hayat said: “The challenge was fabulous and it’s great to see the team out and doing something very different. When we are working we don’t really get to bond like this.

“We are really proud to support great charities like this and do something for London.”

Before the free-fall abseil, participants stepped out onto a glass walkway 46.8 metres above the Spurs pitch.

They got up close to the iconic golden cockerel before turning to make the thrilling descent, hanging from ropes.

Shonagh Massrahim, a project manager at the Service, dressed up as Wonder Woman to complete the challenge.

She said: “It was terrifying! I had my eyes closed the whole time. My legs are shaking. Everything is shaking. But it was exhilarating.”

Assistant Ambulance Practitioner Ellie Buckley signed up for the adventure to conquer her fears.

She said: “It was really out of my comfort zone but I’m buzzing now. And after working for London Ambulance Service for two years, I know how important the work of the charity is.”

Hillary Corbett works in the 999 control room at the Service’s HQ in Waterloo.

She said: “I’m brand new to the Service and just thought I would go for it. I’m going to be 50 next year so it’s great to have some memorable adventures before that milestone.”

Daniel Coble, who works in IT for the Service, said: “The worst bit was when you take that first step off the edge. But then it goes pretty quick and it was fun. I did once try an abseil before but I backed out at the last minute so it feels great that I have achieved this today.”

Jessica Burgess, Head of the London Ambulance Charity, said: “This has been an incredible event and everyone who took part was so brave.

“When you’re standing at the bottom of it, Tottenham Hotspur stadium is very, very high! It must have seemed even more so for those going over the top.

“I’m so grateful they took this step as they have raised an incredible amount of money which we know will make a difference to Londoners and help to save lives.”

There is still time to show support for all those who took part. Your help will fund life-saving equipment, CPR training, and wellbeing initiatives. Make your gift by following this link.

To find out about the charity’s exciting calendar of events you can visit this page.