A CROWBOROUGH-based electricity worker completed a high-level challenge by abseiling off London’s ‘Cheesegrater’ building in memory of his cousin.
As a linesman for UK Power Networks, Tom Rainbow is used to working at heights, but this time he had support from over 240 friends, family, colleagues and businesses, to become the top fundraiser in the Skyscraper Challenge on September 10.
Raising over £7,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support, Tom said: “Receiving vital sponsorship for such a worthwhile cause is incredibly satisfying because it will enable others to receive the support when they need it.”
Tom’s cousin Anna Vanns was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer during pregnancy last April and sadly, the family lost her four weeks later, leaving behind her husband and their three-week-old son.
Tom said he and the family had been overwhelmed by support and help from charities.
The brand-new Skyscraper Challenge saw Tom and the other participants run up 1,092 steps of the iconic skyscraper – just for a start. Then he kitted up in a harness and helmet, ascended to the 51st floor of The Cheesegrater, and abseiled solo over 200 metres – currently the UK’s highest abseil.
He explained: “I was fortunate to be selected to undertake [the challenge] and was honoured to do so on behalf of such an important cause.”
Matt Mather, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Tom, his family and all of his supporters who contributed to his amazing £7,600 total, making him the top fundraiser on the day. And what an incredible challenge on the hottest weekend of the year!”
“The money raised will fund our Macmillan nurses and Support Line and could pay for as many as 25 Macmillan Grants to help families like Tom’s and his cousin Anna’s when faced with a devasting cancer diagnosis.”
Tom’s fundraising page is at: justgiving.com/fundraising/climb4anna
