Olympic Holidays chief executive Clare Tobin is to abseil down the British Airways i360 tower in Brighton for the Alder Hey children’s charity.
Tobin, who has a fear of heights, hopes to raise £3,000 for the cause by tackling the 450-ft drop on Saturday May 18.
Olympic has already provided £55,000 for Alder Hey, which has been earmarked to support a distraction room with 4D immersive projection, lighting effects and surround sound which is said to reduce the need for sedation by 40%. The room funded by Olympic Holidays donations will be called ‘Ollie’s Room’.
The operator has also provided funds for three heated neo-natal cots which will help premature babies – many of whom require surgery – to regulate their own body temperature.
Money has been raised at events including Greek coffee and sandwich mornings, car boot sales and barbecues.
Head of marketing Carl Catterall said: “The openness of British Airways i360, on Brighton Seafront is what makes it special. Unlike other abseil venues you are descending against a wall, at the top of the tower, the pod doors will open and Clare will descend into open space.
“Anyone will feel a few nerves when faced with a 450ft drop, so even for experienced people this would present a fearsome challenge, and as Clare is afraid of heights, this will push her boundaries more than ever.”
To make a donation, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/clare-mcilrath