Leeds tallest abseil raises thousands of pounds in support of Lord Mayor’s appeal

In just over a few months Leeds City Council staff and partners have fundraised £3,605 in support of the Lord Mayor’s appeal.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty, joined by Catherine McCallum from St. Gemma’s Hospice, visited the fundraisers as part of the ‘Just One Day’ special celebrations, to hear about local fundraising efforts.

Staff from the council and construction partner Balfour Beatty working on the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) are raising funds through activities such as abseiling.

A few weeks ago the ELOR team took on the challenge of the tallest abseil by coming down the 300ft CLV building, the third highest building in Leeds.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty said:

“I am delighted to see this amount of money raised to support our chosen charity, St Gemma’s Hospice. It will make such a difference to help provide the best possible care and quality of life for local people and their families with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise our staff and partners who we are fortunate to have working across Leeds. These are people who, time after time, go above and beyond their job role to help others. I am proud of everyone who has contributed to raising this amount whether through undertaking the abseil challenge, raffles or just buying a cake.”

Catherine McCallum, Corporate Fundraiser at St Gemma’s Hospice, said:

“On behalf of the staff and patients at St Gemma’s Hospice, we would like to say a huge thank you to Leeds City Council and Balfour Beatty for their kind support. Their hard work and generosity will enable us to continue providing the best possible care for local people living with terminal illnesses. To the patients and their families who will benefit, this will mean so much.”

Rob Lockwood, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty, added:

“Balfour Beatty are delighted to support the Lord Mayor raising funds for his chosen charity. It is great we can make a contribution to the community in which we are working.”

More information

St Gemma’s Hospice

The Lord Mayor has chosen St Gemma’s Hospice as his charity for this year. St Gemma’s Hospice has worked with the community of Leeds for 40 years, to ensure that when local people face the end of life, it can be pain-free, dignified and peaceful.

St Gemma’s provides care to patients living with all kinds of incurable illnesses including cancer, heart disease, lung disease and neurological diseases. They are delighted and privileged to be chosen as the Lord Mayor’s charity for 2018-19.

More information available on the St Gemma’s website

East Leeds Orbital Route

The East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) is a key part of the East Leeds Extension, to create a major strategic growth area for the city.

The first phase of ELOR will improve a number of existing Outer Ring Road junctions and help develop the design for the main ELOR. Leeds City Council are working with construction partner Balfour Beatty to progress the first two phases planned until late 2019. Following extensive public engagement, statutory approval and land purchase, the main ELOR construction will commence late 2019.

More information on ELOR.UK