The Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil 2025 Raises Funds for Charity
On 21-22 June 2025, fundraisers took part in the Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil to raise money for mental health, learning disability and community care services.
The Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil Challenge saw participants descend over 100 metres from Portsmouth’s iconic tower in an act of bravery, generosity and solidarity.
From battling nerves to conquering gusty winds, every abseiler took part for a reason that mattered deeply to them. Together, they made something extraordinary happen.
Best of all, donations are still coming in – Brighterway will publish the final total soon!
“You made it happen.”
Saturday’s crew faced tougher conditions, with crosswinds adding to the intensity. Still, Brighterway Charity Manager Phil Pride praised their perseverance: “The wind made it tricky, but you all did it… You made it happen, well done! Enjoy tonight – and let’s give one last big push to those donations.”
By Sunday, the skies were clearer, but the enthusiasm was just as strong. “An earlier finish today,” said Phil, “but every bit as exciting and rewarding as yesterday. What a brilliant couple of days!”
You can watch a beautifully-shot video of the day and everyone’s reactions here:
The Stories That Moved Us
For many abseilers, the challenge was as personal as it was physical.
Steph Stinton: Giving Back to the NHS
Steph abseiled in gratitude to the NHS, supporting the New Forest CAMHS service she now works for. A passionate advocate for young people’s mental health, she overcame her fear of heights to raise funds for Brighterway, saying:
“They’ve helped so many young people with mental health support… now I want to help give something back.”
Steph actually changed careers to devote herself to supporting youth mental health, motivated by powerful personal factors. The abseil represented a powerful opportunity for her to raise awareness, support recovery, and give something back.
“I decided to be that voice that I never knew I needed when I was a teenager – that’s what I’m trying to become,” she said, “So if I can do something like abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower to bring something back to CAMHS, I will.”
Steph’s story resonated widely, and her page continues to climb with donations.
Read more about Steph’s journey.
Ella Lucas Tackled Her FIrst Abseil to Support Mental Health
NHS Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) Ella Lucas stood in solidarity with the young people she supports by abseiling for Brighterway. By tackling the challenge, she raised awareness for the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and the children and young people they help.
“I want to take on this challenge to advocate for the MHST and increase people’s awareness of the support available for young people,” Ella explained before the abseil. “Mental health difficulties are something that everybody experiences from time to time, and for some, it can be an ongoing challenge.”
Ella and her team offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based support to those facing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Their ‘whole school approach’ helps create a holistic environment that prioritises mental wellbeing.
“The young people I work with inspire me every day as they push themselves outside their comfort zones to overcome their struggles and support their recovery,” Ella continued. “This abseil is my way of doing the same.”
Beth & Daisy Hunt: Courage from a Mother-Daughter Bond
Mother Beth and 15-year-old Daisy were one of the inspiring family teams who took on the challenge. As part of Team UNLOC, the daring duo set out to raise awareness for youth empowerment and mental health, supporting the company they’re both part of.
Their efforts showed that strength comes in all sizes, and sometimes it’s shared across generations. Daisy, supported by her mum, said: “It was scary, but I’m really proud I did it.”
Beth and Daisy’s uplifting story inspired generous donations as the weekend built towards their abseil time.
Read about Beth and Daisy here.
Tanya Jennings Overcomes Double Hip Problems to Abseil
Tanya Jennings, who abseiled on Sunday in the worst of the wind that day, has now raised over £1100. It wasn’t until she was back on the ground that we learned from her husband that Tanya is awaiting a double hip replacement!
Simply put, we think she’s a great team player and has put in sterling efforts with her fundraising.
And, judging by the lovely comments she’s posted on the Spinnaker Tower WhatsApp group, we can see she’s totally embraced the abseil and Brighterway’s mission – along with all our brilliant participants. Thank you Tanya, thank you everyone!
More Voices from the Tower
The event also brought joy and adrenaline to first-time thrill-seekers:
“Fantastically organised… An opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy charity, but also to challenge ourselves and get a very buzzy feeling afterwards! Kinda sad the event is over but this has been tempered by looking at my fundraising page this morning. Every last penny makes a difference! 🥰”
Victoria Redding (who abseiled with her dad):
“Still on a high (feet on the ground now, phew). Such a supportive event!”
“That was quality – one of the sickest things I’ve done in my life. 100%.”
“What an amazing experience! Everyone was so nice and professional and put us at ease. So well organised too. Loved every minute 🥰”
Ella Lucas, NHS mental health worker:
“Thanks for putting the event on – I really enjoyed it! Hopefully we raised lots, and well done everyone!” Read more from Ella here.
Why It Mattered
Every abseiler who clipped in helped to raise funds to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. From therapy gardens to creative recovery programmes, Brighterway projects go beyond what the NHS alone can fund.
The abseil wasn’t just a thrill – it was a symbol of hope, healing and commitment to brighter futures.
One Big Thank You
To everyone who abseiled, donated, supported or simply cheered — thank you. We’ll announce the final fundraising total soon, but what’s already clear is that this weekend was about more than money: it was about people showing up for each other.
Look out for the final donation total soon.
Until next year…
Read Our Inspiring Stories:
Mother Jo Harvey Abseils Spinnaker Tower to Support Hammrsley Homes
Beth & Daisy Abseil Spinnaker Tower for Youth Wellbeing
Ella Lucas: NHS Worker Gives Back
Steph Abseils the Spinnaker Tower for Mental Health