On Saturday 8 June 2019, 14 brave, amazing people descended the breathtakingly high Northampton Lift Tower.
They were cheered on by their families, friends and Lynnette and Shelley of Action Duchenne. As the weather was too extreme to abseil the 418 feet outside the tower, the descent took place inside. The abseil was broken down into 3 different sections, with the final option of going face-down, meaning that the overall descent was closer to 450 feet!
Well I did it! The weather was not safe enough for abseiling outside today so inside it was. It was an amazing experience. I even did the forward facing abseil.
Lynnette has been amazing, always checking in and being such a friendly person to speak to. She has lots of ideas of how to raise money and awareness. I felt amazing raising money for Action Duchenne. It feels really good to give something back and hopefully raise awareness of the condition.
Sarah Hodgson
The 14 went up to the first stage in small groups where the instructors kitted them up and they got ready for the abseil. Once they were ready, each group went up to the first drop together. The Extreme Abseil team were so professional, encouraging and patient. They reassured each of the abseilers and really made the whole process so smooth and enjoyable.
Amazing, so lovely to take part in something for such a worthwhile cause and the total we have all raised is something to be really proud of.
Lauren Spagnol
While the Awesome Abseilers completed their challenge, their dedicated supporters chatted and met other families outside. The children all played together and people shared stories and experiences. It was a really lovely time for people from the Duchenne community to come together.
Yesterday was amazing, to see everyone’s bravery, hear everyone’s stories of why they were doing it and to meet the inspirational families who live with DMD.
Sarah Read
Although you don’t need to do any official training for the Abseil at the Northampton Lift Tower, it is strenuous as there is lots of physical exertion and you certainly put your arms through a good workout!
I’ve never done anything like this in my life, it was completely out of my comfort zone. On the day it self I was a bag of nerves but Lynnette completely put me at ease. If a scaredy-cat like me can do it anyone can!
Jenny Cocks
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Thank you to each and every one of our amazing team of Awesome Abseilers. It has been a privilege to work with them over the past few months and I was in awe of how they all tackled the challenge this weekend.
Lynnette – Community Fundraising & Marketing Officer