Fab-Seiling for Others!

It all started when I heard the dulcet American tones of Cumbria’s High Sheriff drift across a crowded room with the words “Carol will do it with me!” “Do what?” I asked – followed by a frantic shaking of my head.

Fast forward some weeks and I found myself at the top of the highest fire training tower at Carlisle East Fire Station with three other trembling ladies Marcia Reid Fotheringham (High Sheriff of Cumbria), Christine Bowditch (Chairman of Cumbria County Council) and Kerry Higham about to embark on the scariest moment of my life namely an abseil down the tower watched by a packed crowd of people and children.

As Marketing Director at Cartmell Shepherd I have often supported and waved off a number of wonderful Cartmell Shepherd staff who have volunteered to carry out all sorts of difficult challenges to raise money for charity.  This is the first time that I had actually stepped up to the mark to challenge myself and I have to say at the top of that tower as I perched on the windowsill and lent out into the abyss there was a horrific moment of fear and the question why on earth I am doing this? The answer is simple.  For a few moments of discomfort on my part I am hoping that a number of vulnerable people and animals will benefit from the generous donations of the people of Carlisle and further afield who supported this event.  So far we have raised a total of £1,930 and the money is still rolling in.

Not only did I conquer my fear of heights but I also made six new friends including the other fab-seiling ladies and Stuart Adams and Anthony Rooney from Carlisle East Fire Station who supported us through the whole experience.  Not only did Stuart get us down the tower on the day with his words of encouragement, the fire service also opened their fire station to the whole community.

We had a brilliant day with stalls, tombola, guess the teddy, demonstrations from the firemen and police, Blood Bikes, puppet shows, ice-cream van, food and refreshments.

All money raised will be split between four amazing local charities, Oaktree Animals’ Charity, People First, Carlisle Mencap and The Well Communities.

I am very proud of what we have managed to achieve and it is quite incredible when people can come together and make an event like this happen and all for the good of our local community.

If you have never challenged yourself to do something for charity I would urge you to take the plunge.  You won’t regret it and it will go down as one of those memorable moments to tell your grandchildren about.

Just Giving

Please check out the fabulous photo album of the day.

Blog by Carol Fish Director and Abseiler

Photos by Jenny Woolgar