People urged to sign up to abseil down Spinnaker Tower in support of West Sussex charities
The abseil is taking place in April
People are being encouraged to take part in an abseil in support of two West Sussex based charities.
The Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House Spinnaker Tower Abseil is taking place on Sunday, 18 April.
There are said to be limited spaces left to take part.
The abseil will see adrenaline seekers take in views over Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, as they take on a 100-metre descent down the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
Ben Taylor from Worthing, and Jayne Nangreave from Fareham, both took on their fear of heights in September and abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower.
Each of them did this to raise money for the local hospice that has supported their family.
Despite his fear of heights, Ben abseiled for St Barnabas House in memory of his grandad, Roy, who was cared for by the hospice.
Jayne also took on the challenge as she wanted to give something back to Chestnut Tree House, who have been supporting her daughter, Lydia, for many years.
Ben said:
"My grandad, Roy, was cared for by St Barnabas, and I wanted to do something in his memory.
"When he passed away at the hospice, the team there were all amazing.
"They are such a lovely group of people and they treated him so well.
"This challenge was tough for me as I’m really scared of heights.
"But when I got the top of the Spinnaker Tower, the team were great – they talked me through it and made it enjoyable.
"Doing this challenge meant I could give something back, to say thank you to St Barnabas for the care they gave my grandad."
Jayne said abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower was an experience she will never forget and urges others to take on the challenge too:
"This was the first time I had ever done anything like this, I was really out of my comfort zone.
"But I knew that I was doing something for an incredible charity, and that helped me through it.
"I signed up to the Spinnaker Tower abseil to say thank you to Chestnut Tree House."
At the age of two, Jayne’s daughter, Lydia, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability.
"Lydia enjoys anything and everything water related," Jayne continued.
"She loves splashing in the swimming pool, visiting aquariums, and watching anything on CBeebies.
"But due to her complex medical needs, she is non-verbal and does not understand a lot, she needs full-time care.
"Despite that, she is such a happy girl."
At eight years old, the family were referred to their local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House.
Jayne remembers the first time they visited:
"I thought it would be very clinical, like a hospital, but it wasn’t.
"I had a constant smile on my face.
"It was amazing.
"They have everything that Lydia enjoys."
Lydia is now 15 years old and still regularly visits Chestnut Tree House for short breaks, while her Mum and Dad take a break.
Jayne said:
"Lydia loves swimming at Chestnut, as well as messy play and all sorts.
"It’s so nice that Lydia can go to the house and have fun, whilst we can spend some time together and relax, knowing we don’t have to get up early and care for Lydia."
The family also receive support in their own home from Chestnut Tree House:
"The community visits give Lydia the chance to get out and explore her local community, without mum and dad by her side.
"Without Chestnut Tree House, life would be awful.
"We all look forward to our visits from our community nurse and short breaks to the house, it’s one of the only times we can relax, and Lydia loves it too.
"She loves having some independence and freedom.
"Chestnut Tree House need every penny they can get, and I’m really proud of myself that I took on the abseil to raise money for them.
"So, if you’re thinking of taking on an abseil, then please, just do it.
"You’ll be making such a difference to local families."
It costs £45 to register (minimum age 14), with a minimum sponsorship of £250.
Registration closes on 2 April, 2021.
Find out more on the Chestnut Tree House website or the St Barnabas House website.