For Immediate Release
8th July 2010
BRISTOL’S BIG LEAP NOW OPEN IF YOU DARE!
IF ZIP SLIDING across the Avon Gorge is something you have only ever dreamed of then now is your chance to make that dream come true.
A group of Bristol volunteer fundraisers who have come together to raise money for Cancer Research UK set themselves the challenge of organising an event which would be both daring and courageous.
The group, all in their 20s and 30s, have been touched by cancer in some way and wanted to use their experiences to stage an event to raise money and create a memorable event to be proud of.
Rebecca Reynolds, from Clifton, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system, when she was aged 21.
The pretty 35 year-old, who runs her own event management company, knows how important it is to raise awareness of the disease and to fund further research into treatments and its causes.
Cancer has also affected her family and friends too.
When she was 17, her mum died from ovarian cancer when she was age 46 and her aunty from lung cancer, as well as close friends she has grown up with.
Rebecca explained: “Mum died 18 years ago and I believe that had she been treated today she would have a much better chance of survival and may even still be alive.
“Having gone through cancer myself at such a young age, I consider myself lucky that it was caught and treated at an early stage.
“I don’t dwell on my cancer experience now, I just want to put my skills as a professional event manager to good use in creating an exciting event which will have people talking about it for years to come.”
Rebecca is working with five other members of a Cancer Research UK committee, who have all come together with a common goal which not only challenges themselves, but to raise £20,000 to help beat cancer.
The group formed last year and have set up a website - www.bristolsbigleap.org - where members of the public can sign up to the zip slide challenge which takes place on Sunday August 8th.
Participants need to raise sponsorship to enter the event, where they can zip 800ft across the Avon Gorge next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The challenge has only ever been attempted by the Royal Marines and is open to members of the public for the very first time.
Rebecca explained: “We would like to get sponsors involved for this event as we are volunteers who are financing this ourselves, so if anyone would like to contact me then we would love to hear from them.”
Volunteers are needed on the day too and can apply to help out by contacting the team on the website below.
The Outer Edge is a professional company who have years of experience in the field of zip sliding and will be taking care of the actual slide itself, ensuring members of the public are briefed on how to zip slide across the Avon Gorge and going through all the relevant health and safety checks.
Jo McMahon, from Oldfield Park in Bath, who is also on the committee, has her own special reason for helping to organise the dream slide.
Jo explained: “One of my closest aunties died of cancer and I helped nurse her when she was ill. I thought by raising funds in this way I could go some way towards helping others in the same situation.
She added: “The day is all about being positive, having fun and achieving something, whether it's beating your fear of heights or simply raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”
Helen Ryland, Cancer Research UK’s Area Volunteer Manager for Bristol said: “We are absolutely delighted that this wonderful group of volunteers has decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“They have being doing lots of preparation and we’re sure they’re going to have an amazing experience. We can’t thank them enough for all their support and want to wish them all the very best on the day. Please get behind them and support them in this truly unique event”
Helen added: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research.”
To take part in Bristol’s Big Leap and find out more information, participants can register by logging on to www.bristolsbigleap.org or contact any of the committee members through the website.
ENDS
