The latest issue of Bridge CommunityAd magazine may go down in the local history books as the Sole issue, as well as singing the praises of litter-fighting vigilante Mike Sole and Phil De Pothole, we’re also giving due column inches to Helen Sole who has gone to great heights to raise money for a charity whom she knows very well.
While Mike and Phil were on the look out for holes Helen Sole was climbing a dome, yes, a charity climb up and over the O2 was Helen’s Herculean effort that she tells CommunityAd of:
“I decided it was time to give back to a great charity LimbPower and challenge myself at the same time. I am a double leg amputee and LimbPower have helped me and many others to be connected and supported through sport, wellbeing and signposting to rehabilitate after amputation.
“So, after some persuasion I put my name down to climb up, over and down the O2 with a bunch of amputees and supporters. I was so impressed that there were new amputees including young teenagers in the group
“First hurdle, ‘put these shoes on’, says the group leader. It will make the surface less slippery. The ascent being at 30° and descent 32° so slipperiness was not desired. I came prepared fortunately as one after another amputee called out ‘has anyone got a shoe horn?’ as legs came off or in the fancy models’ feet were spun round to get the required shoes on. Duly shoed, we then donned our harnesses and chained ourselves to the railing.
“Going up the steep ascent was not possible with a fixed ankle so many of us climbed up sideways but it was worth it to see the view and have a celebration glass of bubbly and the all-important selfies.
“Coming down was more of a challenge so was safest done backwards. I kept bumping into Mike as he was struggling with moving his harness over the safety points while keeping one hand on me to stop me falling backwards. Relief all round when back on terra firma and lots of smiles.
“I did enjoy the event for the camaraderie of the group and of course thrilled to have raised money for such a worthy charity”.
The target going into the challenge was to raise £500 but Helen’s heroics have seen her raise in excess of £1,100, an incredible feat and one Helen is humbled by adding; “Thank you to so many who gave me words of encouragement or donations.”