Fundraisers abseil down high-rise building (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Fundraisers abseil down high-rise building to raise money for people with learning disabilities in Streatham and Tooting

4:10pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Alice Foster, Reporter

A man dressed as Batman with a guitar abseiled down the side of a tower block on Saturday.

Alan Bond and other daring fundraisers took part in the abseil to raise money for people with learning disabilities at care homes in Streatham and Tooting.

The 165ft descent down Chillingford House in Tooting supported charity MacIntyre, who organised the event.

Mr Bond and singer Sean Keenan, from band The Duped, performed a song while abseiling then continued their set on the ground.

Kiri Crequer, administrator for MacIntyre’s London services who also did the abseil, said: "Wandsworth Council offered us three buildings, but Chillingford had the best access for those with disabilities.

"As a charity promoting equal opportunities, we wanted the event to be open to as many people as possible, including the people we support."

MP Sadiq Khan was among the spectators watching the action from the bottom of the tower block.

MP Khan said: “I was there to cheer on the very brave volunteers abseiling down Chillingford House on Saturday.

"It was a windy and cold day but the abseilers helped to raise a lot of money for an important cause”.

“I was slightly nervous when I was challenged to abseil Chillingford House for myself. I am pleased that Batman and Robin were on hand to save me!”

The charity aimed to raise £1,000 to provide interactive tools for two new sensory rooms and replace worn kitchen equipment and furnishings.

Vivienne Donald, the head of service at MacIntyre’s project in Tooting, said the people they support also got the chance to meet the community.

Ms Donald said: "There are so many prejudices about people with learning disabilities, but meeting such vibrant personalities can dispel those negative associations.

"We want to meet the public and say: ‘This is who we are, this is where we are’."

Tigon Scaffolding and Great New Abseils erected the abseil platform and carried out the risk assessments.