Neil shows his head for heights

At Harris Associates, we’re well versed in going the extra mile for our clients, but our design director, Neil, recently took it to the extreme with a charity abseil down the mighty Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

Supporting one of our longstanding clients, Lakesmere Group, Neil and a team of plucky Lakesmere staff braved the 320ft descent for charity Naomi House and Jacksplace, hospices for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

So far more than £5,000 in sponsorship has been raised, with our own intrepid abseiler, Neil, securing an impressive £300, which he aims to keep increasing.

The abseil, which was organised to help mark Lakesmere’s 21st anniversary year, is the first of two charity challenges for the company as a second team prepares to take the plunge in a skydive from 10,000ft above Salisbury Plain on the 14th September. By completing its dual challenge, Lakesmere is hoping to raise funds to contribute to the £4m that the hospice needs to improve its facilities and the vital care it provides to families.

Speaking after the abseil, and once his heart rate had slowed down, Neil said: “I’ve always enjoyed activities outside the norm, and this was pretty much up there with the craziest I’ve ever done! The unusual nature of the challenge has meant people have engaged with the fundraising and really got behind myself and the Lakesmere team. I’ve relished the challenge and the opportunity to help such a great cause.”

To find out more about Naomi House and Jacksplace visit www.naomihouse.org.uk