Opticians set their sights high for homeless charity

Four brave volunteers from a Pewsey-based chain of opticians will be taking in the views from the top of the south coast’s tallest tower, before abseiling down 100 metres to raise money for charity.

Staff members from Haine & Smith practices across the county will be taking on Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans Spinnaker Tower Challenge in Portsmouth on Sunday, September 5, to help raise funds for the vital work it carries with homeless and vulnerable people.

Following the charity’s call for daring volunteers, the staff chosen to represent Haine & Smith on the day will be Hayley Cox from the Pewsey practice, Fran Wattley from the Highworth practice, Emma Stiles from the Devizes practice and Eileen Devenish from head office in Pewsey.

“I wanted to be brave and put myself forward to have the opportunity to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, when my name was picked out the hat I couldn’t believe it! What better way to challenge myself whilst raising money for the brilliant charity Alabaré. I’m incredibly nervous but looking forward to the experience,” said Hayley.

“I am absolutely buzzing that I will be abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower. When I saw this, I said that this was right up my street, and that I wouldn’t even hesitate in doing this. My friends would gladly pay to watch me jump off a building- and they have!

“My friends and work colleagues all think I’m absolutely bonkers for doing this, but know I’d happily do this to raise money for such a great and worthwhile cause.

“I keep saying ‘what goes up must come down,” said Fran.

“When the opportunity came up for a member of Haine & Smith to abseil The Spinnaker Tower, my first reaction was ‘who on earth would want to abseil 100m from the top of the tower!

“After talking to my work colleagues, I thought that actually I could challenge myself and put my name forward. I have always admired anyone who pushes themselves out of their comfort zone, and this was the right time for me to try and conquer this huge task myself.

“I then looked a bit more into Alabaré and the amazing work they do for so many people, I knew it was definitely a worthy cause. I have never attempted anything like an abseil before, so this will be a great experience for me and hopefully inspire others to try something new and rewarding,” said Emma.

My first reaction was wow – that looks like a good challenge. I’ve never done anything like that before and my knee-jerk reaction was to apply! Now realisation has kicked in and my sensible brain is saying ‘What did you go and do that for? AHHHHH!’ But I know it will be a great day and will hopefully raise lots of money for a good cause,” said Eileen.

Laura Knight, community engagement officer at Alabaré, said: “It’s certainly not a challenge for the fainthearted but we’re so grateful to Haine & Smith’s willing volunteers for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to take part in our Spinnaker Tower abseil and raise funds for Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans in the process.”

Family members and colleagues will be joining them on the day to cheer them on as they abseil down the side of Portsmouth’s iconic landmark while taking in the incredible views.

To sponsor the team, visit www.haineandsmith.co.uk

Pictured clockwise from top left: Hayley Cox, Fran Wattley, Emma Stiles, and Eileen Devenish