On 6th and 7th July, the Genesis Trust and Bath Abbey are inviting 100 brave people to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to abseil off the top of the Bath Abbey tower, 49 meters above the city.
The aim is to raise £20,000 for the Genesis Trust, supporting vulnerable and homeless people locally, and Bath Abbey’s Footprint Project.
Bath Abbey is the last great medieval cathedral to have been built in England and from its highest point offers stunning vistas across the city of Bath and beyond.
Venturing up 212 steps to the top of the tower, participants will be harnessed to a rope before they abseil three-quarters of the way to the bottom, something which has never been done before.
Registration is £30 and minimum sponsorship is £150. The ‘Leap of Faith!’ is open to everyone on a first come first served basis. Simply visit genesistrust.org.uk/leap-of-faith to secure a place.
All participants will be given training and supervision by a professional abseiling team, who are organising the logistics.
Nick Mayo, Chief Executive of the Genesis Trust commented: “Leap of Faith! is a wonderful opportunity for the whole of Bath to get together in the heart of the city to help our most marginalised neighbours and contribute to the Abbey Footprint Project.
“We are so grateful to our partners at Bath Abbey for their commitment to our vital work helping vulnerable people overcome incredibly complex problems, and ultimately reach new heights.”
Stephen Girling, Acting Rector of Bath Abbey, will himself be one of the abseilers taking part. He said: “The Bath Abbey is such an iconic building right in the heart of Bath; abseiling down the side of it is guaranteed to be a truly memorable experience.
“What makes it all the more special is that there’s a greater purpose – raising valuable funds. Part of the Abbey’s mission is to support the work of Genesis Trust in the city, so we’re delighted to be working together.”
Genesis Trust brings the local community together to offer immediate practical help to people who are hungry, homeless and vulnerable and provide long-term opportunities for them to rebuild their lives. Bath Abbey’s Footprint Project will repair Bath Abbey’s collapsing floor and install an eco-friendly heating system, powered by Bath’s natural hot springs.
It will also ensure that the Abbey is more hospitable for its visitors – improving the facilities and expanding its capacity by 200 square meters.
This adventurous fundraising effort will provide vital momentum to the future plans of both organisations.
Those who don’t like heights are invited to go along on the day to get involved from ground level. There will be courtyard music and an opportunity to find out more about the work that Genesis Trust and Bath Abbey are doing to make things better for people and planet in our beautiful city.
