A Giant Leap...For Charity

On Friday 7 June the Master Brewer, James Staughton, and the Clerk, Nick Tindal, took a leap into the unknown, abseiling from one of the City’s tallest buildings to raise money for charity.

In glorious, sunny weather, which made the daunting view from the top of the Leadenhall Building (better known by many as the Cheesegrater) as clear as possible, the Master and Clerk bravely descended 215m to the street below. The descent itself took approximately 15 minutes – a long time to try to avoid looking down!

They faced their fears to complete this challenge in aid of both the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Brewers’ Company General Charitable Trust (BCGCT). This year the Lord Mayor’s appeal is partnered with MQ Mental Health Research, Homewards and National Numeracy. Funds from the BCGCT are used for general charitable purposes as determined by the Court of the Brewers’ Company. In recent years it has funded Brewers’ Bursaries at Aldenham School and a broad range of charities such as Pub is the Hub, No Going Back (helping those leaving prison), the National Brewery Heritage Trust, the Royal British Legion, various military and veteran’s charities, and charities supporting the homeless, amongst others. It also supports the Company’s military affiliations, as well as providing grants for individuals studying brewing with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.

The Master said: “The experience was both terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure and the first step over the edge was certainly the most daunting! Ultimately, we were spurred on by the thought of the amazing charities that we are raising funds for, and all of the generous donations that we have received from our members and other supporters.”

The Clerk said: “It was completely surreal at the top, you are invited onto a temporary scaffolding with nothing between you and a 47 floor drop; only when you feel the rope taking your weight does your mind let you believe that all is going to be ok…then it becomes a thrill…brilliant to have had amazing financial support from so many”.

It’s not too late to sponsor the Master and Clerk! Donations can be made at https://buy.stripe.com/eVacOEfR35Mtfe05km.