Saturday 10th June saw super heroes descend the Atria Shopping Centre in Watford to raise funds for two partnering local charities. The event, originally due to take place at One YMCA’s Charter House Hostel but for nesting peregrine falcons, was a great success thanks to Atria stepping in with an alternative location.
One YMCA, who provide a wide range of community critical services across Herts, Beds and Bucks; supporting 150,000 of the most vulnerable in society each year and NHS Trust charity, Raise, are raising vital funds to continue providing life changing and saving support in the local community.
One YMCA chief executive officer, Guy Foxell, and chief operating officer, Mark Turner, added to the day’s fun by taking part dressed as super hero duo Batman and Robin.
Mark Turner, One YMCA chief operating officer and Robin for the day, said:
“I live my life in a pretty much constant state of awe and admiration for all the life-changing and life-saving work that our amazing One YMCA teams do, day in and day out. So, as scary as it is, if abseiling off the side of a building is my way to play a part in supporting those that need us the most – how could I say no!
A huge thank you to everyone who braved the jump and of course everyone that sponsored them.”
There were 76 participants in the 100 foot abseil challenge, raising over £27,000 including Gift Aid for the charities so far. These funds are vital for the two charities to continue supporting increasing numbers of highly vulnerable people during these challenging times.
John Darin and Debbie Chadwick from Hertfordshire’s Heart radio also took part with Debbie saying:
“Big thanks to One YMCA for this fantastic opportunity. This is an amazing charity and is very close to my heart, they continue to make a huge difference to our community. Working to end rough-sleeping, provide children’s and youth mental health support, get families off to a great start and help those who have or are experiencing domestic abuse.”
For further information or to donate visit oneymca.org/abseil or raisewestherts.org.uk/abseil.
To donate go to Abseil Challenge – JustGiving to give to One YMCA or West Herts NHS Charity Abseil – West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals Charity to give to Raise.
If you have any questions please email: fundraising@oneymca.org or emily.theobald3@nhs.net.