Brave fundraisers abseiled 131 feet down the city’s Mailbox building today to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Young and old alike donned helmets, gloves and harnesses as they completed their sponsorship pledges and took an aided leap off one of Birmingham’s contemporary landmarks to raise vital funds for the hospital’s Heart Appeal which aims to raise £2 million for a new cardiac hybrid theatre.
Joining those who took the plunge for charity were a team dressed as ‘music legends’ including John Taylor as Justin Bieber, Adam Bodin as red hot pants-clad Lady Gaga, Chris Collins as Madonna complete with the singer’s iconic gold cone-shaped bra, Adam Yosef as Michael Jackson and Adrian Yale, who had previously tried his hand at the outdoor pursuit.
“I’ve abseiled before in Wales when I was about 15 but the Mailbox is still pretty high. The initial part of stepping over the edge and then walking down was a bit scary but then once you’ve sort of got down and you’re going, it’s no problem. You sit there and enjoy the view really,” explained Adrian.
For team member Adam Bodin, who’s admittedly afraid of heights, this was his first attempt at the activity.
“Once you get over the edge it’s fine but getting over the edge originally is
kind of the hardest part really. After that it was fine I really enjoyed it,” he said.
The boys raised over £500 for the children’s charity and are still accepting donations on their JustGiving page.
You can watch the Mailbox Abseil here, and view the gallery here.
Main photograph courtesy of Nicola Shilton