Bolton Wanderers and Backup Northwest abseil raises thousands

The 59ft descent may have seemed scary, but people from all ages and backgrounds came together to brave the drop on Saturday, April 15, raising money for homeless charity Backup Northwest and Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC).

A total of 18 people raised £3,500 for Backup Northwest, who support young people at risk of being homeless.

CEO Maura Jackson said: “I’m so pleased with the whole event.

“Everyone who has done it is amazing because I could not do it.”

One of the people who took part in the morning challenge was me.

It was an amazing experience to be a part of while raising much needed funds for the charity.

I had decided to do it just two days before the event on account of wanting to do something charitable during Ramadan.

Waiting at the top was daunting, and I did have several self regret moments before it was my turn.

But once I was harnessed, I was ready to go.

Climbing over to the side, I was told to rest my knees on the edge before letting go of one leg at a time.

Usually, this would take a few minutes for anyone to collect themselves, breathe, and let go slowly.

But I had been waiting so long, that I really didn’t need anymore time, so as soon as the kind man told me to let go of each leg, I dropped both and let him lower me down so I could grab my rope and start the abseil.

I sang along to the The Weeknd, marvelled at how well I was doing, and smiled for pictures on the way down.

Thank you to Backup Northwest for letting me take part.

Professional boxer Alex Murphy and his model girlfriend Grace Bowker abseiled for BWitC in the afternoon sessions.

Lifelong Wanderers fan Alex said: “The abseil was a great experience, me and Grace really enjoyed it, we raised a lot of money for a great cause and have both ticked something off our bucket list.”

Bolton FM was present all day, playing great songs and encouraging everyone taking part in the abseil.