High Sheriff abseils Spinnaker Tower in full court dress with community foundation CEO in tow – raising nearly £19K

The High Sheriff of Hampshire, William Maltby, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) Chief Executive, Jacqui Scott, have successfully completed a 100-metre abseil down Portsmouth's iconic Spinnaker Tower – with William taking on the challenge in his full High Sheriff Court dress. 

The pair took the plunge on Saturday 19 September raising more than £18,500 so far for HIWCF, which supports grassroots charities and community groups across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

Despite windy conditions that forced the cancellation of a national powerboat race due to start from Portsmouth Harbour, the pair completed the descent as planned - with both experiencing a little buffeting on the way down. 

William said: “I undertook this challenge to raise the profile of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation. I had never abseiled previously, but I am used to going up masts on sailing boats, so I thought it would be OK. In my naivety, I hadn’t counted on the wind being so strong! Sent down the exposed side of the Tower, I struggled to stop myself swinging out of control when the gusts struck - touching the ground was a big relief!"   

William has spent his year as High Sheriff visiting organisations across the region that are supporting community growth and social cohesion and has seen first-hand the difference local charities and community groups can make, with many having received funding support from HIWCF during their development.  

Each year, HIWCF awards around £1 million in grants to hundreds of local charities and community groups to help alleviate some of our communities' most pressing issues including poverty and inequality, isolation, poor mental health and disadvantage. 

For Jacqui, the abseil was a particularly daunting way to support the Foundation, saying: 

"It's fair to say this challenge was well outside of my comfort zone… several hundred feet outside it, in fact. But having faced that fear and knowing it has helped more people discover the incredible work of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, it was worth every nerve-racking moment. It was wonderful to have so much support – from the friends and family messaging us good luck, the brilliant team of supporters on the ground, and of course, the incredible people who donated so generously.  It means so much to William and me, and to the communities this funding will help.” 

The fundraising page remains open, and William and Jacqui are hoping donations will continue to build in the coming days. Every donation will help HIWCF continue investing in the local charities and community organisations working at the heard of communities across Hampshire, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. 

To support William and Jacqui's challenge, or to find out more, visit: https://hiwcf.org.uk/high-sheriff-spinnaker-challenge/