Supporters of the county’s ambulance service are being asked to take the plunge at one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks this autumn. The South Central Ambulance Charity has announced an organised abseil from the Spinnaker Tower on Saturday 12 September, offering participants the chance to descend the tower’s 100‑metre height while raising money for initiatives that sit outside NHS funding.
Why the abseil is being held
The charity funds a range of projects across the South Central Ambulance Service footprint — including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire — that are not covered by statutory budgets. Its priorities include staff and volunteer wellbeing, bespoke patient‑care enhancements and community resilience programmes.
Vanessa Casey, chief executive of South Central Ambulance Charity, said the event is being reintroduced this year and framed it as an opportunity for people and organisations to support local ambulance teams while taking on a challenge.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups, families and businesses to take on an exciting challenge while supporting their local ambulance charity,"
Who can take part and what to expect
No prior abseiling experience is required. The charity has confirmed that all necessary training and equipment will be supplied on the day by qualified instructors, allowing people with little or no previous ropework experience to take part safely.
- Event: Spinnaker Tower abseil
- Date: Saturday 12 September
- Height: 100 metres
- Who benefits: South Central Ambulance Charity projects across four counties
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Training | Provided on the day by qualified instructors |
| Experience needed | None |
Local impact and how to get involved
The funds raised will support staff wellbeing measures, improvements to patient care and community projects that strengthen local resilience — services that directly affect frontline responders working in and around Portsmouth. The charity encourages individuals, groups, families and businesses to participate, whether they are marking a personal milestone or seeking a new challenge.
People interested in taking part should contact South Central Ambulance Charity for registration details and any further practical information about the event. Spaces for such tower abseils are typically limited and early sign‑up is advisable.
The abseil presents a chance for residents and businesses to back ambulance staff and volunteers while taking in views from one of Portsmouth’s most prominent vantage points.
