Charity superheroes abseil down Bath College’s tallest building

Charity superheroes have abseiled down Bath College’s tallest building to support sick children in hospital and their families.

Thirteenstudents and staff braved the 24-metre abseil, climbing over the edge of the college’s Macaulay building to raise money for Time is Precious.

They have collected over £600 for Time is Precious, bringing the amount raised by the college for the charity this year to £1,300.

Aaron Hooper, 19, from Radstock, studies performing arts and often takes part in events organised by the student participation team.

He said: “My whole life flashed before me. I knew it would be scary but I was shaking like mad when I was kneeling over the edge.

“I’m only going to be here (at college) once. It’s good to get involved with as much as you can so you can look back and be proud of it all.”

Students at Bath College have been fundraising for Time is Precious ever since it was chosen as the Students’ Union charity of the year.

The charity provides hospitals with new equipment and facilities to improve life for young patients receiving treatment.

Money collected by the college will go towards a chill-out zone for teenagers at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

Staff and students gathered on the ground to support health and social care lecturer Vanessa Haughey, who was the first to abseil the building.

She said: “I’m not really scared of heights, but it’s different when you’re throwing yourself off a building.

“I teach health and social care, so there’s that link with the RUH. Some of my students have completed placements there and will probably work there when they have finished their courses.”

Those completing the abseil included students from Bath College’s English Language School, Antonio Perlado Ortega, from Spain, and Al-Hanouf Al-Masoud, from Saudi Arabia.

Tess Farlow, Kez Hawkins and Sarah Withers, from the student participation team, chose to dress as minions from Despicable Me for the abseil.

Martin Davey, from the Estates and Facilities Department, also raised a smile by completing the abseil dressed as Spiderman.

He said: “I’ve been at the college for seven years, but this is the first time I’ve abseiled down a college building. I think you should do something every day that scares you.

 “Erin, from our department, is going to take a photo alongside me to show her son she works with Spiderman. My grandson is also a big Spiderman fan.

“Time is Precious is a fantastic charity and that was the driving force behind me getting involved.”

Students’ Union President Kez Hawkins said: “It’s great to say that you’ve abseiled down Bath College, which is one of the tallest buildings in Bath.

“This is the benefit of having a student participation team and next year we will be going bigger and better again.

“We’ve raised over £1,000 so far and we’ve had great support from Bath College – look at how many people got involved.”

To sponsor the group visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bath-College-Abseil