More than 35 people abseiled 29 meters down the tower of St Peter’s Church Portishead raising more than £8,000 for the Gordano School Chaplaincy Project. The sponsored abseil was organised by churches in Portishead to support and continue the chaplaincy work at Gordano School.
Over 30 abseilers take part on the day the youngest was 14 and the eldest 79! Volunteers signed up to be sponsored, each commitment to raise a minimum of £125 each. Others who turned up on the day feeling fearless paid £75 to abseil. On the day around 250 people supporters cheered the group on from the bottom of the tower and celebrated each arrival with music, tea, coffee and cake for everyone. The funds raised are for the Chaplaincy at Gordano School.
In 2020 the school partnered with 4 churches in Portishead (St Andrews Church, The Methodist Church, Enjoy Church and Gordano Valley Church) to employ a school chaplain. Becky Cox was appointed Chaplain and started in her role during lockdown. She has become a much-valued part of the school team and it is now hoped the work Becky has undertaken to support the pastoral and spiritual life of the school can continue.It is a unique partnership between the churches and the school to provide pastoral support to students and staff. The money raised is to extend the partnership for at least another year.
The group said of Becky’s time in the role so far, “Becky Cox has served as chaplain and has made a difference to numerous children and supported staff through challenging times. Both school and churches are keen to see this project to fruition and continue beyond of the end of the initial 3-yar agreement.”
Becky was among the group abseiling, “I really can’t get over it, the more I think about it, it’s crazy the amount of effort and support there has been to try and keep the role to continue. I really didn’t want to do the abseil but knew I had to for my job. Yet the number of other people who willingly volunteered and supported. It’s a lot to process really, but I am so very grateful.”
Bath and Wells Chaplaincy Development Adviser / Acting Mission Development Team Leader, Mike Haslam was another who overcame his fears to help raise money, he said, "I really don't like heights, so I wasn't looking forward to the abseil, but Becky's role has been such a wonderful success that we would all like to see it continue."
A spokesperson at St Peter's comment on the day, "The whole team here at Portishead Church of England are very thankful to the community effort that went into the abseil, from brave abseilers, kind sponsors and a brilliant team of staff and volunteers, the day was a huge success. It was such a brilliant day, enjoyed by all who attended."
The group have set themselves a target of raising £10,000. If you would like to contribute, please visit the Gordano School Chaplaincy Abseil Fundraising page.
More photos of the entrepid abseilers can be found on the Portishead Facebook page.