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Olympic Holidays boss to abseil British Airways i360 tower for children’s charity

Olympic Holidays chief executive Clare Tobin is to abseil down the British Airways i360 tower in Brighton for the Alder Hey children’s charity.

Tobin, who has a fear of heights, hopes to raise £3,000 for the cause by tackling the 450-ft drop on Saturday May 18.

Olympic has already provided £55,000 for Alder Hey, which has been earmarked to support a distraction room with 4D immersive projection, lighting effects and surround sound which is said to reduce the need for sedation by 40%. The room funded by Olympic Holidays donations will be called ‘Ollie’s Room’.

The operator has also provided funds for three heated neo-natal cots which will help premature babies – many of whom require surgery – to regulate their own body temperature.

Money has been raised at events including Greek coffee and sandwich mornings, car boot sales and barbecues.

Head of marketing Carl Catterall said: “The openness of British Airways i360, on Brighton Seafront is what makes it special. Unlike other abseil venues you are descending against a wall, at the top of the tower, the pod doors will open and Clare will descend into open space.

“Anyone will feel a few nerves when faced with a 450ft drop, so even for experienced people this would present a fearsome challenge, and as Clare is afraid of heights, this will push her boundaries more than ever.”

To make a donation, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/clare-mcilrath

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