Fareham bowling club trio raise thousands of pounds for charity by abseiling down Spinnaker Tower
“I knew we were all doing it for a fantastic charity.”
A bowling club president has raised £7,500 for a Hampshire children's charity after abseiling down Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower with two fellow club members.
Maureen Tomlinson, president of Palmerston Indoor Bowling Club in Fareham, took on the challenge in support of Abby's Heroes, the club's charity of the year.
She was joined by fellow bowlers Phil Hawkes and Mandie Lawrence for the descent, which also marked the launch of the club's partnership with the charity.
Maureen said: "I wanted to start my year as president with a bang and thought abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower was also a great way to launch our partnership with Abby's Heroes.
"I was pretty nervous beforehand but once I was at the top of the tower and took the plunge, I really enjoyed the experience."
The trio raised £7,500, with donations coming from friends, club members, work colleagues and local supporters. Mandie said she had been terrified while looking out over the city from the top of the tower, but the cause gave her the determination to complete the challenge.
She said: "I can't deny I wasn't terrified standing at the top of the tower looking out over the city below, but I knew we were all doing it for a fantastic charity and that made me determined to complete the challenge.
"The fundraising total reflects the generosity of friends, fellow club members, work colleagues and local supporters. We were overwhelmed with their support."
Phil said the descent had been an enjoyable experience, despite the weather conditions.
"It was a great day. It was certainly a little windy as I was descending down the tower but I loved it," he said. "To have fundraised such a large amount of money for this important charity is the icing on the cake."
David Fawcett, community fundraiser at Abby's Heroes, thanked the three bowlers for their efforts.
"Maureen, Phil and Mandie have been absolutely amazing. Fundraising £7,500 is an incredible achievement and we are extremely grateful to them for supporting Abby's Heroes.
"I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of Maureen, Phil and Mandie along with everyone at Palmerston Indoor Bowling Club. I can't wait to see what unfolds over the coming months of our partnership," he said.
Palmerston Indoor Bowling Club, based in Fareham, welcomes people of all ages and experience levels. Equipment, including bowls and bowling shoes, is available for newcomers to try the sport.
For more information, call the club on 01329 232005.