More than 1,000 people sweated and panted their way up the 932 steps of London skyscraper Tower 42, EC2, to take part in the annual Vertical Rush challenge for Shelter.
Now in its eighth year, the challenge, on 8 March, has raised almost £1.9m for the housing and homelessness charity, including a £350,000 booster from the most recent event.
Among the stampede braving the 42-floor ascent was royal marine Lee Riley who made it to the top with a 42lb rucksack on his back. Model and amateur athlete Nell McAndrew sprinted the whole 600ft in 8mins 17 secs, with celebrity Calum Best on her tail.
The property industry also got behind the challenge, with CBRE’s Joe Bahsoon, Charlie Nairn, Sam Carson, Matthew Edmonds and Freddie Morris completing the climb in just over 30 minutes.
Barry Rushmer, general manager of Tower 42, said: “I would like to congratulate all of those who have taken part. Your sponsorship pledge will go a long way to help Shelter’s vital work. We hope the view from the top was worth it.”
Shelter turns 50 this year. The charity assists families facing homelessness as well as providing expert advice, support and legal services to the UK’s most vulnerable people.
