Got a head for heights? Want to raise some money for a good cause? Two reasons why you might want to join up to 100 people who will abseil from the top of the Abbey tower – on July 6th and 7th – to raise money for the Abbey’s Footprint project and Genesis Trust. Donations for Footprint will be generously doubled by the Brownsword Charitable Foundation.
The Brownsword Charitable Foundation is well known in Bath for its generous philanthropy to various charities and good causes and has helped the Abbey to raise vital funds for Footprint.
Charles Curnock, Footprint Project Director at Bath Abbey, said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous offer from the Brownsword Charitable Foundation. Money raised for Footprint will help with our vital and essential work to repair the Abbey’s collapsing floor, install a new eco-heating system using Bath’s hot springs, and create new and improved facilities underground.”
There are a few places still remaining for intrepid fundraisers with a head for heights. To take part in ‘Leap of Faith!’ visit http://genesistrust.org.uk/leap-of-faith/. All participants will be given training and supervision by a professional abseiling team, who are organising the logistics. Registration is £30 and minimum sponsorship is £150. ‘Leap of Faith!’, has been arranged by local charity Genesis Trust.
Nick Mayo, Chief Executive of Genesis Trust, comments: “We are absolutely delighted by the support we have received for this fundraising abseil from Bath Abbey and the city as a whole. The Leap of Faith! will enable us to support homeless and vulnerable people across the city and work with them towards a better future.”
Stephen Girling, Acting Rector of Bath Abbey, who will himself be one of the abseilers taking part, said: “We’re really looking forward to this event and having the opportunity to raise vital funds for both Footprint and Genesis. Part of the Abbey’s mission is to support the work of Genesis Trust in the city so this is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together.”
For your information.
For further information, please contact Elaine Teh/Lucy Ryder, Communications Officer, on 01225 303320 or comms@bathabbey.org.
About Bath Abbey’s Footprint
The £19.3 million Footprint project aims to carry out essential repairs to the Abbey’s collapsing floor, install a new eco-friendly heating system using Bath’s unique hot springs as a source of energy and enlarge capacity by creating 200sq metres of new facilities to fulfil the Abbey as a place of congregation, equal access and hospitality. A programme is also planned to record and interpret the Abbey’s 1,200 years of history and this iconic church for millions of visitors including educational visits. Thanks to a grant of £10.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, additional funds from private individuals and trusts, as well as the Abbey’s own congregation and visitors, the Abbey now has just over £1 million left to raise. www.bathabbey.org/footprint
For further details about Bath Abbey, please visit www.bathabbey.org
Bath Abbey’s ‘Leap of Faith!’ sponsorship page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=BathAbbeyStaffAbseil&pageUrl=1
Genesis Trust
Genesis Trust provides a range of practical and empowering support services to help disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Bath & North East Somerset. Over 700 volunteers run and help with 10 interlinked projects including:
- Lifeline – drop in centre for homeless and vulnerable people open six days per week.
- Furniture Project – collecting unwanted furniture and reselling it at low cost to people on benefits and low incomes.
- Life Skills – courses and mentoring for homeless and vulnerable people to build life skills, increase resilience and confidence.
- Soup Run, Sunday Centre & Lunch Box – providing hot soup, sandwiches and meals daily to homeless people in Bath.
- Bath Foodbank – emergency food parcels for people in crisis.
- Family Matters – volunteer mentoring for local families struggling with poverty and other issues.
- Street Pastors – helping vulnerable people on the streets of Bath Friday and Saturday nights.
- Home for Good – promoting fostering and adoption in local churches.
