Council Leader abseils to raise awareness for charity

The new leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Royston Smith, will abseil down one of the city's tallest buildings this weekend in support of the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST).

At 230 feet in height Canberra Towers is Southampton's second tallest building which makes it an ideal venue for the JST's sponsored abseil. Cllr Smith will be helping raise awareness for the local charity by abseiling from the building at 11:30am Saturday July 31.

Cllr Smith said: "The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a remarkable Southampton-based charity that enables people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals. This abseil event will not only raise awareness about the great work that the charity does, but it will also help raise funds and challenge those abseiling for the first time to conquer their fears and gain a sense of personal achievement. I am proud to be part of this experience and hope my support helps raise awareness of the charity's work."

Cllr Smith is no stranger to danger having previously walked across the Sahara Desert, trekked the Inca Trail and last year climbed Kilimanjaro. He believes that lives can be changed by taking positive action and leading from the front and hopes to inspire many more people to take part in future abseils for the charity.

Matt Gravelling from the JST said: "The Jubilee Sailing Trust regularly arranges hair-raising events, but it is the first time that something on this scale has been planned. With over 40 abseilers (and many well wishers) attending on the day it's bound to be a great event for all the family and we're delighted that Cllr Royston Smith has chosen to show his support to a charity that has been at the heart of Southampton since 1978."

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