Protean

Time's nearly up for our charity abseil team!

Our charity abseil is now just days away, as much as some of our team try to deny it. So, we've asked the last members of the abseil team to be profiled on this blog to share their thoughts. First up, it's Darren, our very own daredevil with doubts:

"I wasn’t too scared about the abseil when I signed up - unlike some of the team, not naming any names (Amy). Most of the time, I border on being a bit of an adrenalin junkie – I was a member of the sky-diving team at university and I do as much surfing as I can possibly fit in during my spare time. So when the subject of a charity abseil came up, I jumped at the chance (pardon the pun).

But now, some nerves have definitely started to set in. I’m a bit worried that despite all my bravado, I might pass out at the top! However, since I signed up, I’ve been reflecting on the real motivation behind the event. I’ve found out a lot about the charity we’re doing it for, St Mungo’s. They do some fantastic work for homeless people around the UK and I’m really motivated to raise as much money as I can to help them continue to do this work. This thought is helping me push through any nerves I feel and I’m determined, whether I pass out or not, to make it down that building on a rope to get St Mungo’s the cash!"

Next up, Amy tells us why on earth she is abseiling down a tall building with a fear of heights:

"When I heard about the abseil my automatic response was "No." I'm not good with heights and could not think of anything worse than being tied by a rope to the top of the Blade. I still can't to be honest. But, obviously something changed my mind as "No" eventually gave way to "Yes." Quite simply, I thought my fear might make people take pity on me and I'd raise lots of money for this brilliant charity. Plus, it's good to face your fears apparently. So, I've been raising money over the last few weeks and very soon, abseiling down a very tall building will be all there is left to do. I'm told it will be over quickly and I will be pleased when I've done it - time will tell!!"

We'll let you know how it goes and how much we manage to raise for St. Mungo's so watch this space. In the meantime, if you want to sponsor Darren or Amy, or any of our team for that matter, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/ProteanMarketing

Meet Fiona, budding abseiler and definitely no chicken.

By now, we hope you're well aware that very soon, four of our team will be abseiling down Reading’s tallest building in aid of St Mungo's. During the run-up to the event, we'll be profiling each of the abseilers. First up was Helena. Next, it's Fiona! Here's what she has to say about the abseil:

"I have always wanted to take part in a charity fundraising event; however these usually tend to involve some sort of long distance running, which isn’t really my forte, if I am totally honest. So when Protean was approached to take part in a charity abseil I didn’t have to think twice, I thought the idea was different and really appealing, which some people may think is quite an odd thing to feel about climbing down Reading’s tallest building, The Blade! I have never abseiled before but this is all part of the challenge for me and I think that in order to ask people to sponsor me I need to do something a bit out of the norm.

When I found out the charity we would be raising money for was St Mungo’s this made me want to take part even more. The work this charity does is incredible, they not only provide a safe place for homeless people to sleep but they also supply them with toiletries, food, counselling and the skills to integrate back into the community, as well as back into world of employment. The work St Mungo’s do is definitely the underlying motivation factor that is spurring me on to raise as much money for this cause as I can. St Mungo’s really do make an amazing difference to people’s lives and the money myself and the rest of the Protean team raise will most definitely be going to a very worthy cause. So with all of this in mind I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to take part in this event.

Now that I have turned my attention to spreading the word about the event there is one main question that people keep asking me and that’s if I am feeling nervous? This is also normally followed by helpful comments such as, “What if you plummet to your death?” Or, ‘What if the rope snaps?’ But honestly at the moment I am not nervous, just really excited and focussed on trying to raise as much money through sponsorship as I possibly can. Although I am pretty sure my nerves may kick in when I am 128 metres above street level, I promise anyone who is able to sponsor me that I will not chicken out when I am at the top!"

You heard it folks, she won't chicken out so your sponsorship money will be safe with her. Please sponsor Fiona here and help us help St Mungo's!

Meet Helena, the most fearless member of our abseil team.

In a recent blog we told you that very soon, four of our team will be abseiling down Reading’s tallest building. They are doing it for a fantastic charity, St Mungo's, rather than for fun. With the exception of Helena. In her case, flinging herself off a tall building secured only by a rope really does constitute fun. Raising money for charity is an extra bonus.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be profiling each of our abseilers. Here’s what Account Manager Helena has to say:

“Roll on October 29^th and the St Mungos abseil charity jump that I’m doing with the Protean Marketing team.

I’m thrilled at the idea of descending down a vertical surface from great heights by a rope. Much as it may make my toes tingle and stomach turn I can’t wait to take that first look down from the top – and then the nerves will set in!!

Maybe it will be the start of a new hobby and I’ll soon be jumping off the top of viaducts or major rock faces without the back up rope. Or maybe not!

I am hoping to raise as much money as possible so St Mungo's can continue to provide vital services to enable homeless people to recover from their experiences and change their lives for good. Any support would be much appreciated.”

It may seem like she doesn’t need any more encouragement. But, since it’s for such a good cause, please sponsor Helena online now.