Wolves Foundation reached new heights at the weekend with the first ever Molineux Abseil which saw over 70 intrepid thrill-seekers take a leap of faith from the roof of the Billy Wright Stand.
A wide range of participants of all ages, including players from the Foundation’s Wolves Disability FC, conquered their fears to head up onto the roof before abseiling the 25 metres to pitchside, all for an excellent cause.
And among that number was none other than Wolves legend and club vice-president John Richards, who decided he wanted to take part from the moment he saw the Abseil promoted.
“I’ve seen Molineux from many different locations, but obviously not the roof, so, I when I saw details of the abseil, I said to my wife Pam that I wanted to do it,” said the former striker, who was accompanied on the way down by Foundation health officer Steve Maiden.
“It was a really well organised event and for such a fantastic cause as Wolves Foundation, who do so much fantastic work across the community.
“The first few steps off the roof were the difficult part, leaning back is where I felt a lot of tension, but once I started moving it was wonderful.”
Foundation’s community and cohesion officer Gavin Jones, who oversees the Disability set-up for the club’s official charity, is registered blind, but that didn’t stop him taking part, alongside team members including fellow Foundation employee Mark Bromley and players Darren, who has an artificial limb, Cameron, who is an upper arm amputee and Ethan.
“I was a little bit nervous beforehand, and was told I was pacing around a lot, but once I got going it was ok, and a brilliant experience,” says Gavin.
“It was great that a few of us linked to the Disability team were able to get involved and contribute towards the overall fundraising and help towards such a great total.”
At present, just over £17,000 has been raised from the event, which will be invested into the Foundation’s range of projects delivered to people of all ages and abilities across the city.
“We are really delighted to have been able to deliver the first ever Molineux Abseil, and for so many people to have supported the event either by taking part or making a donation has been fantastic,” says fundraising and events executive Laura Cahill.
“We had a range of people take part, from those that were fairly confident to others who were terrified but did amazingly well to conquer their fears, and there was such a supportive atmosphere from everyone on the day.
“I just want to thank everyone who took part or made a donation, and raised such a fantastic amount which will have a really positive impact on the work that the Foundation delivers in Wolverhampton.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience and it is certainly an event we will be looking to put on again – so watch this space!”
The Foundation would also like to thank Redpoint, the climbing centre who helped deliver the event to make it such a success.
