People enjoy zip wire fundraiser for Fareham centre

SPEEDING through the air on a zip wire saw brave volunteers raise thousands of pounds for a children's centre.
Kelle Russell on the zip wire Picture: Keith WoodlandKelle Russell on the zip wire Picture: Keith Woodland
Kelle Russell on the zip wire Picture: Keith Woodland

Around 50 people took part in The Rainbow Centre’s fundraiser which saw people glide over the lake at 1000 Lakeside, North Harbour, on a 300m zip wire hanging 35m in the air.

People of all ages took to the daring challenge which was the first of its kind organised by the centre, in Fareham.

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Eleven-year-old Kaelem Cull was the youngest person to do the zip wire which took place yesterday. In the past he has abseiled for The Rainbow Centre and raised more than £120.

He said: ‘It was really fun and I went fast. It does not look that fast from the ground but it was.

‘It was not that scary when I was doing it but going up on the crane was scary.

‘My legs were shaking a little bit and I was a little nervous but I was okay once it started. I would definitely do it again.’

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Speaking of the money he raised, Kaelem added: ‘I am happy with how much I was sponsored for and I am proud of myself for doing it.’

His mum Ellen, from Sarisbury Green, said she was proud of all the fundraising he’s done for the centre.

‘He has done really well with the zip wire and the abseil last year,’ she said.

‘In October he went into the centre to see what they do and how they help children. I think that inspired him to want to help even more.’

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The Rainbow Centre, off Palmerston Drive, supports children with cerebral palsy and other motor skills problems. It also supports adults who had suffered a stroke or head injury or have Parkinson’s.

Ted Slack uses the centre to help with his Parkinson’s. He took part in the zip wire with his carer and friend John Condie while his wife Sally Reynolds cheered them on.

So far, they have raised £1,300 thanks to friends, family and Ted’s former colleagues at the University of Portsmouth.

Sally, from Winchester, said: ‘It was such a good idea for the Rainbow Centre to organise this event because it is something different.

‘It is great for Ted and John to be able to do it together.’

Jess Greenwood, event fundraiser for The Rainbow Centre, said she was really happy with how the day went and it could raise around £6,000.