Date published: 02 November 2016 by Anna Jackson
BBC Newsreader Sophie Raworth and endurance runner Susie Chan have signed up to take part in Grate48, the UK’s highest stair climb at the ‘Cheesegrater’ on 10 November in aid of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
The energetic friends will join hundreds of competitors racing over 1,200 steps of the Leadenhall Building to raise vital funds for Rainbow Trust, which supports families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.
The Grate48 challenge will see participants covering the iconic building’s 48 floors, finishing over 200 metres above street level. At the top, runners will receive a well-earned drink and enjoy spectacular views across the Capital.
Sophie describes herself as an occasional long distance runner and Susie has run races from one mile to over 100 miles, including two Marathon des Sables, the Sierra Leone Marathon and the Thames Path 100.
The two celebrities met on the running circuit and will join a group of elite runners who will be first to mount the steps at 4pm, followed by 50 participants at 15-minute intervals until 8pm. The elite team also includes the UK Tower Running Champion Mark “The Marauder” Sims, David Harris and Martin Pedersen, who is flying in from Denmark specifically for the event. Climbers can walk or run up the 737ft high building and will receive a Grate48 branded t-shirt, chip timer, medal and a drink at a post-event reception.
Sophie Raworth said:
“I am thrilled to be taking part in such a fantastic event and to be raising awareness for Rainbow Trust. The atmosphere will be wonderful and I’m looking forward to enjoying the views of London’s skyline from the top.”
Susie Chan said:
“It will be great to experience a challenge with a difference and one which will be over considerably quickly compared to my other long distance events. I’m looking forward to having a drink with Sophie and the other competitors afterwards.”
Grate48 will raise money for Rainbow Trust, which supports over 2,000 families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. The challenge has been arranged in partnership with Oxford Properties, the real estate arm of OMERS, which has its European headquarters in the building.
To take part tickets cost £35 and minimum sponsorship is £160, enough for Rainbow Trust to fund six hours of vital support from a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker, who provide emotional and practical support to help make life a little easier.
Emma Haines, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Rainbow Trust, said:
“We are extremely grateful to Sophie and Susie for supporting Rainbow Trust and taking on the Grate48 challenge. It is a great boost to Rainbow Trust and their endorsement of this fantastic event will help us raise awareness of the vital work we carry out with families who are caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. We are extremely grateful to The Leadenhall Building and OMERS for their support.”
For more information or click here to sign up for a place and reserve your time slot at Grate48 by Monday 7 November or call Sophie Collins on 01372 220102.
