On the weekend of October 13th, 270 fundraisers completed the highest abseil challenge organised by SOS Africa to date, raising an incredible £41,000 for the purchase of 2 primary school classrooms in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The challenge started at King Alfred’s Tower, a National Trust-owned 160ft landmark, with over 200 steps and 1.2 million bricks. The event was planned for April 2023 and quickly gained traction, with followers from schools, businesses and community groups across the South-West.
The event was opened by courageous Phil, Manager of Stourhead, National Trust and his daughter Grace, and as the day went on, the SOS Africa children cheered on the abseilers climbing the tower steps.
The event saw its youngest participants, Archie, Pippa, Dulcie, Lois and Jasper, all aged 11 and under, complete the challenge with bravery and were met with standing ovations from the crowd.
The two days of the event were met with contrasting weather conditions, but the abseilers persevered and eventually the fundraising total passed the £40,000 mark when 11-year-old Archie touched down.
The event reached its incredible total of £41,000 thanks to more than 2000 sponsors, and allowed SOS Africa to purchase 2 primary school classrooms for Grabouw Primary School.
Clem Cavoli, the top individual fundraiser, said: “My heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for orchestrating this remarkable day. From the warm meet and greet, to Matt’s unwavering support as he guided each team to the summit of King Alfred’s Tower, and to the caring abseiling team who provided reassurance when my legs were ready to give in. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the generous donors, and last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all the SOS Africa children who were with us in spirit, inspiring me to conquer my fear of heights.”
Event organiser, Matt Crowcombe, said: “Congratulations to all our abseilers and a sincere thanks to their philanthropic sponsors! Special mention should be made to our top fundraising team and our top individual fundraiser.”
Last weekend, 270 fundraisers completed SOS Africa’s abseil challenge from King Alfred’s Tower, raising an incredible £41,000 for the purchase of 2 primary school classrooms in the Western Cape, South Africa. This was the highest abseil challenge organised by the charity to date, standing at an impressive 160ft with over 200 steps, 1.2 million bricks and spectacular views across 3 different counties.
The challenge was planned for April 2023, and quickly gained traction, with followers from schools, businesses and community groups across the South-West signing up. On the opening day, the first to complete the 160ft drop was courageous Phil, Manager of Stourhead, National Trust and his daughter Grace.
The event saw its youngest participants, aged 11 and under, complete the challenge with bravery and were met with standing ovations from the crowd. 11-year-old Archie was given the honour of updating the charity’s ‘fundraising giraffe’ as the total passed the £40,000 mark.
The event eventually reached its incredible total of £41,000 thanks to more than 2000 sponsors, and allowed SOS Africa to purchase 2 primary school classrooms for Grabouw Primary School. Top individual fundraiser Clem Cavoli expressed their thanks to the team for organising the remarkable day, and to the generous donors.
Event organiser, Matt Crowcombe, said: “Congratulations to all our abseilers and a sincere thanks to their philanthropic sponsors! Special mention should be made to our top fundraising team and our top individual fundraiser.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.