Home-Starts across the county came together to put on their biggest fundraiser yet, and they did it in style!
Arundel Castle Trust had given permission for the Charity to raise funds by abseiling down the 180ft Bake House Tower on Sunday. Her Grace, The Duchess of Norfolk is a long standing Patron of Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur. All money raised will go towards supporting local families with young children
going through tough times.
The exclusive abseil attracted 70 courageous people who wanted to raise funds for the charity and help to make the best start in life for local children. To date, the abseilers have raised £12,000 which is brilliant. There were; couples, friends, work teams, individuals, charity volunteers, staff and trustees and even a
couple dressed as Maid Marion and Robin Hood. As The Duchess awarded the medals on the ground, one abseiler said, “The view from the top is just amazing. The abseil was terrifying but the rope guys helped me to the ground safely. I’m so proud of
myself for doing it.”
The minimum age to abseil was 16 and two brave year 11 boys dubbed “The Abseiling Boys” descended the Tower side by side and have raised £800. They had only turned 16 in September but were determined to take part. Barnaby said, “This is such an awesome experience and one not many people will get to do –
abseiling down a 900 year old Castle!” The other Boy of the duo, Lucas said “As a family we have always supported Home-Start. This was a challenge I couldn’t refuse! And my friends and family have been generous with the sponsorship as 180 feet is a long way down.”
Home-Start has a high demand for support services at present and the community’s support for this event has been immense. 1 in 5 referrals over the last 2 years couldn’t be provided with family support due to limited resources. The money raised will start supporting families as soon as next month. Families need
support from time to time and Home-Start can help with bereavement, mental health challenges, a parental disability or a challenging child or multiple births.
For more information please go to https://mydonate.bt.com/events/arundelabseil/464755 to donate and leave a message.
