Opticians set their sights high for homeless charity
Four brave volunteers from Haine & Smith will be taking in the views from the top of the south coast’s tallest tower, before abseiling down 100-metres to raise money for charity.
Staff members from head office and practices across the county will be taking on Alabaré's Homes for Veterans Spinnaker Tower Challenge in Portsmouth on Sunday, September 5, to help raise funds for the vital work it carries out with homeless and vulnerable people.
Following the charity’s call for daring volunteers, the staff chosen to represent us on the day will be: Hayley Cox from the Pewsey practice. Hayley said: "I wanted to be brave and put myself forward to have the opportunity to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, when my name was picked out the hat I couldn't believe it! What better way to challenge myself whilst raising money for the brilliant charity Alabaré. I'm incredibly nervous but looking forward to the experience." To sponsor Hayley, please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Hayleycox91
Fran Wattley from the Highworth practice. Fran said: “I am absolutely buzzing that I will be abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower. When I saw this, I said that this was right up my street, and that I wouldn’t even hesitate in doing this. My friends would gladly pay to watch me jump off a building- and they have! “My friends and work colleagues all think I’m absolutely bonkers for doing this, but know I’d happily do this to raise money for such a great and worthwhile cause. I keep saying ‘what goes up must come down.” To sponsor Fran, please visit gofund.me/265e38fe
Emma Stiles from the Devizes practice. Emma said: “When the opportunity came up for a member of Haine & Smith to abseil The Spinnaker Tower, my first reaction was ‘who on earth would want to abseil 100m from the top of the tower!!’. After talking to my work colleagues, I thought that actually I could challenge myself and put my name forward. I have always admired anyone who pushes themselves out of their comfort zone, and this was the right time for me to try and conquer this huge task myself. I then looked a bit more into Alabaré and the amazing work they do for so many people, I knew it was definitely a worthy cause. I have never attempted anything like an abseil before, so this will be a great experience for me and hopefully inspire others to try something new and rewarding.” To sponsor Emma, please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-stiles
Eileen Devenish from head office in Pewsey. Eileen said: “My first reaction was wow- that looks like a good challenge. I’ve never done anything like that before and my knee jerk reaction was to apply! Now realization has kicked in and my sensible brain is saying ‘What did you go and do that for? AHHHHH!’ But I know it will be a great day and will hopefully raise lots of money for a good cause.” To sponsor Eileen, please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/eileen-devenish2
Laura Knight, Community Engagement Officer at Alabaré, said: “It’s certainly not a challenge for the fainthearted but we’re so grateful to Haine & Smith’s willing volunteers for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to take part in our Spinnaker Tower abseil and raise funds for Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans in the process.”
Family members and colleagues will be joining them on the day to cheer them on as they abseil down the side of Portsmouth’s iconic landmark while taking in the incredible views.
If anyone would like to sponsor our courageous volunteers, please visit their individual fundraising pages.