Brave Ameachi descends outside of sheer glass skyscraper for fundraising stunt
A charitable thrillseeker stared death in the face as he took a terrifying 500ft decent down the outside of a glass skyscraper.
Ameachi Odiatu, of Caledonian Road, made the stomach-churning abseil from the summit of Bishops Gate Tower on Saturday to raise money for Mind in Haringey.
The 46-year-old, who has just moved back to the borough after several years abroad, was one of 80 to take part in the charity stunt.
He said: “To be honest, I wasn’t actually that nervous. I have a sense of adventure that means I feel the need to take limited risks every once in a while to let off steam.
“The view was fantastic and I really enjoyed it, but the serious backdrop to it all is that it was to support an extemely good cause.
“People I know – family and friends – have succumbed to mental health issues so it is a good thing to support. There are many
good causes out there, but this
is very important.
“For me, this was a really good opportunity to raise funds and awareness of something close to my heart and I was grateful to have that chance.
“I hope events like this drive mental health on the health agenda in 2015 as some one in four people will experience a mental health issue.”
Anita Hudson, Mind in Haringey’s chief executive, said: “One in four of us face some kind of mental health problem every year, including young people.
“We’re here to help through counselling and a range of other key services.
“Despite cuts to our funding, we’re doing everything we can to keep our services running. Funds raised from the Broadgate Tower abseil will enable us to support more people over the coming year.”
Mind in Haringey is celebrating 40 years of providing counselling and wellbeing services to people affected by bereavement and mental illness in London.
Mr Odiatu says he is not sure as yet how much he as raised, and is hoping more cash will flood in following the event.
To make a donation, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AROdoesgood.
Bishops Gate Tower. Right, Ameachi with instructor Andy Day Pictures: Dieter Perry
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