“I don’t “do” heights!” was my first thought on being invited to abseil from the pinnacle of The Shard in aid of The Outward Bound Trust. However, courage came from knowing how much the Trust makes a difference to the lives of young people…so I ignored my fear and said yes.

The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity and the UK’s leading provider of bursary-assisted outdoor learning. I became a Trustee last year and have seen how the Trust can change lives.

The money raised from this event will go towards two aims. First and foremost, to endow bursaries for young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to attend an Outward Bound course, including children from the Southwark community which neighbours The Shard. Second, to support completion of the major redevelopment of the Trust’s Aberdovey centre in North Wales, from which the first Outward Bound course took place in 1941.

Please help me support the Trust’s work by sponsoring me to undertake this extraordinary abseil.

At almost 310m high, The Shard is Europe’s tallest building. Before it opens to the public in early 2013, on 3rd September 2012 a small group of people are being given the unique opportunity to abseil from the pinnacle of The Shard in aid of charity. We will be trained by the Outward Bound Trust, supported by the Royal Marines, and guaranteed an exhilarating (terrifying?) and memorable experience.

I want to make the most of this experience by raising £50,000 for The Outward Bound Trust. I hope you agree that the work of this charity is worth supporting generously and invite you to sponsor me.