Scale the iconic Spinnaker Tower for St Catherine's Hospice

Taking place on Sunday 22 September, this thrilling challenge will give people the chance to descend one of the South East’s most legendary landmarks, whilst enjoying unmissable views across Portsmouth harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight at the same time.

This is St Catherine’s second abseil at the Spinnaker Tower. People can sign up as an individual or as part of a team and will be supported with their fundraising by St Catherine’s staff.

Carol Stimpson was one of the 20 brave hospice supporters who abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower last year despite her fear of heights. She said, “I’m not good with heights and still have a fear of them, but that’s where the challenge came in. I thought for the hospice I’m going to do it and put my fear to one side. My dad died at the hospice in Malthouse Road in 2000 and he got such wonderful care. I also worked there for 18 years as a community nurse and receptionist, and was very proud to do so. The hospice is a very special place for me like it is for a lot of people.”

Carol said once word spread about her abseil challenge she had “fantastic support.” “Initially I was worried about whether I’d raise the sponsorship but in the end I raised around £1,300. People were so generous. I had neighbours knocking on my door sponsoring me and that spurred me on.”

But how did she feel on the day of her big challenge? “Going up in the lift at the tower I was a wreck,” confessed Carol, “I was crying and I cried abseiling down the tower too, but I don’t regret doing it. I felt very safe and the people doing the abseil were excellent. I was in control as I went down and I remembered I was doing it for the hospice, for my Dad and also to help other families going through a difficult time. Even now it feels surreal I did it. I still can’t believe it, but I’m proud and chuffed with myself. It was an amazing experience and I can tick it off my bucket list now. My medal is hung proudly in my kitchen and I’m even open minded to doing it again!”

And if someone else is thinking about taking on this epic challenge what fundraising tips does Carol have? “Don’t underestimate people,” she says, “If you ask for donations a lot of people will happily donate as the hospice is such a special place.”

It costs £30 to register for an abseil which includes an exclusive St Catherine's orange abseil t-shirt, an abseil medal and a free ticket to the Spinnaker's viewing platform on the day. Abseilers are asked to fundraise at least £250 for St Catherine's, but a bespoke fundraising pack full of fundraising ideas and tips will help people to reach this minimum target. If people raise £500 or more, the abseil will include a GoPro video and photograph.

To secure one of 40 exclusive places please visit: www.stch.org.uk/spinnaker-tower-abseil-2024/ or call St Catherine’s fundraising team on 01293 447361. Sign up now to avoid disappointment!