Niamh urges: Abseil the 289ft Obel tower for two great causes

This year’s event, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, will mark the second anniversary of the Obel Abseil and both Cancer Focus and Save the Children would like volunteers to join them.

Developed by the Karl Group of Companies, the Obel stands at 289ft (88m) high and it is one of the most impressive landmarks in Belfast.

Niamh, who raised over £300, says, “Although I was initially nervous about going over the top, the abseiling team really put me at ease and I was then able to enjoy the fantastic views across Belfast from the top of the Obel. Conquering the building and raising money for two worthwhile charities make it an event that I would definitely encourage others to do.”

Sarah Atcheson from Cancer Focus said, “Last year’s participants really got a buzz out of abseiling the 289 feet of the Obel, which is higher then 22 stacked double-decker buses. Anyone aged 16 or over can participate, and registering is simple: Just visit www.obelabseil.com and you can either download a registration form or use the online registration system. Registration costs £30 and then all you have to do is raise a minimum of £150.

“With 70,000 families in Northern Ireland living with cancer and around 11,200 people newly diagnosed each year, the money raised will make a huge contribution to Cancer Focus’s work in the local community. Cancer Focus is committed to tackling cancer by supporting cancer research, providing a wide range of services, free of charge, for cancer patients and their families and by educating people on how they can reduce their risk of the disease.”

Jo Keating from Save the Children said: “The atmosphere at last year’s Obel Abseil was electric and it was fantastic that every participant, young and old, completed the challenge. We are hoping that the second anniversary Obel Abseil will attract even more participants and make it a special event for both Save the Children and Cancer Focus.

“With your support Save the Children works in more than 120 countries saving children’s lives, fighting for their rights and helping them fulfil their potential. Save the Children was established in 1919 and here in NI in 1952. Separate national organizations have been set up in more than 28 countries, sharing the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts.”

For further information on the Obel Abseil please visit www.obelabseil.com or contact Sarah at Cancer Focus on 028 9068 0765 or [email protected]