In early June SOS Africa volunteers and Aardvarks Endeavours Instructors once again teamed up to host an unforgettable 2 weekends of abseiling from the iconic North-West Tower of Wells Cathedral. But this year our fearless fundraisers were cheered on by crowds numbering thousands, gathering to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
12 months in the waiting after the postponement of the 2021 abseil, the popular event formed the centrepiece of the City of Wells Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. Traveling from across the UK to participate, in total 320 “Jubilee Jumpers” participated in the 124ft descent (the height of 9 giraffes) to raise funds for SOS Africa, Royal United Hospitals Bath and Wells Cathedral.
“We have never experienced such an incredible atmosphere at an SOS Africa abseil event. Throughout Jubilee weekend, our fearless fundraisers abseiled in front of literally thousands of spectators to the beat of military bands and live music. One group was even congratulated by a gathering of daleks as they safely touched down at the base of the North-West Tower. We were so pleased that our abseilers received the support they deserved after such an incredible fundraising effort.” SOS Africa Event Organiser, Matt Crowcombe.
With funds still coming in, the event total has already passed the £53,000 fundraising milestone thanks to the support of individuals, schools, community groups and businesses from throughout the South-West: https://www.justgiving.com/team/WellsCathedralCharityAbseil. Philanthropic West Country estate agents Cooper and Tanner entered 2 teams into the event:
“The organisation of the event was outstanding, with thoughtful touches to enhance our experience including thank you letters from the children in the bell room and a caring support team to coach and cheer on those of us who were a little bit more anxious. We are delighted to have been able to take part and raise over £2,700 across our two teams. We all applaud the hard work obviously put into arranging such an epic event, so from all of us at Cooper and Tanner we thank you sincerely for this and hope that the event will allow the important work of the charities supported do to continue.” Freya Webb, Cooper and Tanner.
For many of the teams, our Jubilee Jump was a family affair and a great opportunity to share an unforgettable experience with family members. Topping our fundraising table, “Team Browning” was made up of 3 generations of Browning family members who raised over £1500 at the event:
“The abseil was a wonderful experience. The organisers were welcoming, friendly and efficient. The views from the top of the tower were amazing. The descent was less scary than I had feared, and I was so pleased I had been brave enough to volunteer.” Lynne Browning, Team Browning.
Our Jubilee Charity abseil also attracted more children and young adults than ever before with in excess of 50 9-18 year olds participating in this year’s event:
“We were pleased to see more youngsters than ever before participating in the event, the majority of whom smashed their fundraising targets. Special mention goes to 13-year-old Sam Jones who raised £1000 singlehandedly, the most raised by an individual at the event. To reward them for their efforts, they will soon be presented with SOS Africa t-shirts and certificates.” SOS Africa Event Organiser, Matt Crowcombe.
In addition to supporting vital services provided by RUH Bath and funding the upkeep of Wells Cathedral, the majority of the funds will be invested in a 5th Education Programme which will support many disadvantaged children from the townships of South Africa from January 2023! This holistic support will ensure that they thrive both in and out of the classroom and provide them with a solid foundation for the future; many of the children supported by our first education programme are currently at varsity achieving distinctions.
“Since the final abseiler touched safely down at the base of the North-West Tower, we have been inundated with messages saying how proud they feel after completing the challenge and raising so much for our causes. Congratulations to all 320 brave Jubilee Jumpers and a big thank you to over 2400 generous sponsors, the Wells Cathedral staff, Aardvark Endeavours instructors and the SOS Africa volunteers. We cannot wait for our next charity event which will take place at a new iconic venue in the South-West in autumn 2023. See you there!” SOS Africa Event Organiser, Matt Crowcombe.
