Fearless fundraisers abseil 162m for veterans’ charity

This July, a Sussex-based veterans’ charity is asking people to abseil the UK’s highest controlled descent from Brighton’s British Airways i360 viewing tower.

On the evening of Thursday 8^th July, two groups will board the viewing tower platform, which boasts spectacular views of up to 42km on a clear day, then one by one will descend the 162m from the top. The challenge will help raise funds for Care for Veterans, a charity which provides care and rehabilitation to ex-service personnel from its 60-bed facility on Boundary Lane, Worthing.

Aaron ‘AJ’ Card, an ex-Royal Engineer from Milton Keynes, has already signed up for the challenge. He said: “I have always been proud of my service history, and I can say with the greatest pride that I rubbed shoulders with some of the bravest people this country has to offer. To this day, some of the core values that get drummed into you on day one of the army still live with me. I left the army in 2012 and became a Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist. I now run two businesses AJ Fitness MK and Corporate Fitness and Wellbeing in Milton Keynes.

“Charities that support ex-servicemen and women I will always hold in the highest regard. When I heard about some of the amazing things that Care for Veterans has done for some of its patients, I was blown away and wanted to know what I could do to support. When I found out about abseiling from the i360 in Brighton and being sponsored to raise funds and awareness for the charity, without a second thought I replied, “I’ll do that”. I’m always very open to challenges without doubt I had to sign up, I hope the money I raise can help one of our veterans.”

James Bacharew, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Care for Veterans, said: “Funds raised from this event will help us provide much-needed support for our nation’s heroes; caring for disabled veterans who are facing the toughest challenge of their lives. If you can be inspired by their bravery and are feeling like adding an adventure to 2021, then get in touch soon, there are only limited spaces available.”

To sign up for the challenge, pay a deposit of £25 to reserve your place, then raise £300 in sponsorship. All proceeds will support Care for Veterans to provide its comprehensive and high standard of care to help disabled veterans achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Current residents are aged between 35 and 98 years old and the majority have Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or a degenerative neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s.

The charity receives no regular Government funding and must raise £1.9 million each year to maintain its nursing and rehabilitation services for ex-Service personnel and their immediate families. It provides services such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy to help rehabilitate those who live there to live more independent lives.

Find out more about the i360 abseil on our website, call 01903 213458 or email info@careforveterans.org.uk.