The Molineux Abseil took place during the international break, with almost 150 participants taking the opportunity to take the plunge off the Billy Wright Stand to raise funds for Wolves Foundation.
Our communications volunteer Kerrie Clements, who works for one of our Pack Patrons Services4Schools, was on hand to chat to some of the daredevils taking on the challenge!
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Supporter courage reached new heights as the Molineux Abseil returned to raise vital funds for the Wolves Foundation. Participants scaled the Billy Wright Stand before abseiling down the 25-metre drop to pitchside. The event – delivered in partnership with events company Redpoint – challenged fans to conquer their fears whilst raising funds to support the charity’s work across the city.
One of the first people to take on the challenge was Mark Rhodes, an ambassador for the Foundation who has been involved with the charity for over six years. Looking up at the top of the stand, he admitted, “It’s high, it’s very high.” Once back on the ground, he described the experience as “absolutely awesome”, adding: “Once you go back on your knees, it’s like you’re floating on air. I felt a bit like Superman.”
Amongst the local supporters and Foundation participants themselves taking on the challenge, West Bromwich Albion fan Helen proved that community spirit transcends football rivalries. Descending from the top of Molineux in her Albion shirt, she reflected on teetering at the edge: “Well, I am afraid of heights! But I enjoyed it, and I really impressed myself.” When asked about wearing rival colours, she added, “It doesn’t really matter what shirt I wear. We are all raising money for a good cause.”
Pitchside, participants Paula Anderson and Kiran were both buzzing after getting their feet firmly back on the ground. Kiran, a physio from New Zealand, explained that the experience was rewarding and that she loved seeing people take part in physical activity. Paula, manager of the Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, took on the descent to support both the Wolves Foundation and her organisation’s 40th anniversary.
For Wolves Disability under-18 player Josh, taking part was an opportunity to give something back to an organisation that has played an important role in his life. Having been part of the Disability squad since he was nine, Josh said: “I did it because I wanted to raise money for Wolves Foundation.” He added: “Being able to represent Wolves Disability is something that makes me very proud.”
Another Wolves Disability player, Brandon, came to support as his mother, Kim, took on the challenge despite being afraid of heights. She explained that Wolves Disability had helped Brandon socially and had given him the opportunity to play on the pitch at half-time. “All the young lads in the team are amazing, and it’s all organised by the Foundation so it’s only fair that we do something to give back,” she said.
For local Wolves supporter Luke Eccleston, the mental challenge was the biggest hurdle. While he initially thought getting up to the roof would be the hardest part, the nerves kicked in at the edge. “My legs went to jelly, and it took a while to gather the confidence to release the rope to bring me vertical,” he said.
Support also came from the Foundation’s Pack Patrons, Services 4 Schools. Head of governor support, Emma Russell, stepped into the harness alongside her dad. Despite pre-event nerves, Emma noted that the instructors talked them through every step of the way. While her dad joked that it was over too quickly, Emma was clear on her takeaway: she would do it all over again.
The event also brought three generations of Wolves supporters together, with Alan, his daughter Claire and granddaughter Holly taking on the challenge as a family. Collectively, they hold 64 years of support for Wolverhampton Wanderers! They had originally planned to take part the previous year, but storms forced them to wait until 2026.
Claire said the idea had been hers as, ‘something fun which we could all do together while raising money for the Foundation’. Alan, who first attended a Wolves game on Boxing Day at the age of 11, said the experience was “great” because it was something the family could share. Holly, however, admitted she was “petrified!” But she added, “Once I got over the edge and started coming down, I really enjoyed it.” Now studying at university and no longer holding a season ticket, Holly added that it was “great to be able to come and do this challenge together.”
Adding extra star power to the lineup, former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy took on the drop alongside TV presenter Suzi Perry. Once their feet were firmly back on the ground, Mick said: “I’ve seen the stadium from a lot of different places but not the top of the Stand. It’s beautiful.” He highlighted the reason behind the challenge: “There is that moment of pushing yourself off the edge, and then it’s great, but of course the main thing is that it’s for charity, supporting Wolves Foundation.”
Suzi revealed that she had encouraged Mick to take part, admitting: “Maybe I was a bit coercive, but it was a really fun thing to do together, with the wider positive of supporting the Foundation.” She added that the Foundation does “such an amazing job across Wolverhampton and the region.”
The Mayor, Councillor Paul Singh, was among the later group on the Saturday, complete with the Mayoral chain, whilst Sunday’s abseilers included Daniela Basso, partner of Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.
“An amazing and incredible experience,” was Daniela’s verdict.
Meanwhile former Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme was joined by his close friend Marlon Walters, a former young professional at Wolves who was among the first to ever sign a Premier League contract at the club.
Marlon was particularly nervous at the start – “I’m in a world of trouble” – but conquered those fears to deliver an “incredible memory”.
“What a challenge and what a day,” he declared.
Which summed it all up perfectly.
A huge thank you to all who took part or made a donation to the final total, with the event raising over £28,000 for the Foundation.
