Braving early autumn winds and rain, a group of 19 fearless fundraisers abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower last weekend, raising an incredible £10,000 for Solent Mind.

The annual event took place on Saturday 13 September, and despite the wet weather, each of the challengers took on the abseil with determination and enthusiasm, all to support mental health in the region.

The group was made up of individual fundraisers and teams from local businesses, each with a personal reason for taking part in the daring descent.

Mat Robinson, from Romsey, was Solent Mind’s top individual fundraiser, raising nearly £1,000 in sponsorship. Having faced anxiety over the years, he was passionate about supporting a cause close to his heart.

“Taking on this abseil was a huge thing for me. It was terrifying stepping over the edge, but the amazing support I’ve received from friends and family spurred me on. I’m so proud that I was able to push outside my comfort zone and do it! It feels great! It's also great to know that I have raised money for Solent Mind in the process.”

Also taking part was Suzanne Walker, from Southsea, who has accessed Solent Mind’s Talking Therapies service, and took on the abseil as a personal challenge.

“I have personal experience of depression, which has led to me gaining weight, so I wanted to take on this abseil fundraiser as a motivation to get fit. To achieve this, while my children watched from below, has been fantastic. They now know that there are no barriers to these things – you just need to go for it!”

Representing Celsius Hire, a Hampshire-based provider of hire cooling and heating equipment, was Connor Young, who was also part of a team who completed the Three Peaks Challenge for Solent Mind last year.

“I have struggled with my mental health since I was 16, so raising money to support others going through the same is important to me. I was a little shaky at the start, but after easing into it, I felt great. Getting to the bottom felt amazing!”

Anika Sanders, who is part of the Solent Mind fundraising team that organised the event, said: “A huge thank you to each and every one of our 19 abseilers. You were all incredible and we are so grateful for your support. The amazing amount of money you all raised will go towards continuing to support mental health in our communities across the region.”

If anyone wants to take part in a fundraising challenge, there are many you can sign up to. You can find out more at: https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/challenge/.

Take on a challenge

Getting active does great things for our mental health, so by taking on a challenge in aid of Solent Mind, you too will feel the benefits! Find out more