31 people from Birmingham and the West Midlands abseiled 200ft down the Holiday Inn Express, Snow Hill in Birmingham, and raised over £6,000 for the charity Parkinson’s UK.
Amanda Cresswell from Walsall did the abseil for her mum, who has Parkinson’s, and has raised £430 so far.
Amanda said: “A few years ago my mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but I had no idea how much more there is to this horrible condition and just how debilitating it is. I really want to try and raise more awareness.”
Emma Tromans from Lichfield did the abseil in memory of her dad who sadly passed away in 2016 after living with Parkinson’s for nine years, she has raised over £220 so far.
Emma said: “I had a truly fantastic day. I felt very emotional on the way down thinking about my dad, but I know how happy and proud he would be.
“When people asked if I was scared about the abseil, all I thought was this is my choice - my dad didn't have a choice, and he lived day to day not knowing how his future was going to be.
“I had a fantastic experience even when I was thinking I was about to plummet to my death!”
The event was sponsored by Recycling Management Ltd, from Aston, Birmingham, with Director Yvonne Hawkeswood joining with staff members and her family to take part, and raising a staggering £3,000 between them.
Yvonne said: “The day was such fun and although I was very nervous there was a great team who made me feel like I could get through the worst bits and make it to the ground safely. All in all, a brilliant day for a brilliant charity!”
Gayle Kelly, Regional Fundraiser, Parkinson’s UK, said:
“It was an amazing day - blue skies, sunshine, tears, laughter, an impromptu Zumba session on the roof, and as the last person was abseiling we had the Salvation Army brass band playing below us - fantastic.
“We had a great turnout from family and friends, and community spirit was alive and well as we had 10 volunteers helping us out with the event too.
“Now every penny raised by our brave fundraisers will go towards finding better treatments – and one day a cure - for people living with Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms.
As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
Parkinson's UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
