Supporters of Humanimal Trust took on an unforgettable challenge this weekend, descending the iconic Spinnaker Tower in a thrilling charity abseil that has already raised more than £6,500 to support One Medicine.
CEO Joe Bailey and trustees Laurie Dennard and Ben Marshall, were joined by a passionate group of supporters, all of whom faced their fears and took the leap in support of our mission.
Participants travelled from near and far to take part, with dedicated supporters journeying from as far as Scotland – and even Austria to join the challenge!
A powerful impact for people and animals
Thanks to the efforts of the abseilers and their sponsors, £6,503 has already been raised, with donations continuing to come in. The funds will support pioneering research and related activities focused on major health challenges affecting both humans and animals, such as cancer, osteoarthritis, brain health and dementia.
Courage, community and collaboration
The abseil showcased not only individual bravery but also the strength of a community united by a shared purpose. Trustee Laurie Dennard shared:
“24 hours later and I’m still buzzing! Abseiling 100m down the Spinnaker Tower was an incredible experience. All I had thought about before was how scared I would be, but the Humanimal Trust team gave us such a warm welcome and I remembered why challenge fundraising events are so powerful. Bringing together groups of people to do tough things for a shared cause reminds you why that cause is so important to you. The safety team at the Spinnaker Tower were so supportive and professional that I felt completely confident in them, and once we were kitted up and at the top I felt ready to go. The sun came out, the views across Portsmouth were just amazing, and once I stepped over the edge and leant back, it was actually fun!”
CEO Joe Bailey overcame her fear at the top of the tower:
“I froze at the top – my legs turned to jelly, my heart raced, my eyes were tightly shut, and I could not move. I was on the verge of quitting before I had even properly started, but then I heard Dawn, our super Scottish supporter and fundraising star, shouting ‘Come on hen you’ve got this – away you go’. I thought of all the support and donations we had received, and the incredible work of the Humanimal Trust team. I thought of the why – One Medicine, so that humans and animals can benefit from medical advances, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. With that encouragement and purpose in my heart, I started to descend. It wasn’t elegant – I was slow and missed the views because my eyes stayed shut, but I did it! Overcoming fear doesn’t just take a leap of faith, it takes support, encouragement and a clear purpose. When your ‘why’ is stronger than your fear, you can take that leap.”
Support still open
While the abseil may be over, there is still time to contribute, with donations remaining open to further boost fundraising totals. See here for our fundraisers pages.
Every pound raised brings Humanimal Trust closer to a future where collaboration between doctors, vets and scientists leads to faster, more effective medical progress for all, creating a healthier future for both people and animals.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Spinnaker Tower abseil. Whether you were stepping over the edge or cheering from below, you made the day unforgettable. It takes real courage to take on a challenge like that, and your energy, support and determination mean so much.
