80-year-old Michael took on the challenge for Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University
A daredevil grandad has completed a hair-raising abseil down a Hull city centre landmark in a bid to help underprivileged children experience their own adventures. Michael Nicholson, 80, took to the roof of Hull College before descending the nail biting 100ft to the ground in his efforts to raise money for Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University.
Michael described the experience as tiring but joked that “next time, it’ll be the Shard in London”. He had trained for the challenge by walking every morning and playing indoor bowling and recommended the experience to other would-be fundraisers.
The adventurous octogenarian joined 14 other brave abseilers as they took on the feat which is part of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University Elements Challenge, which sees fundraisers take on a series of themed challenges across the year. It sees fundraisers battle earth, wind, fire, and water as they are pushed out of their comfort zones.
Having already done a big drop slide as part of his efforts, Michael said he wanted to tackle something “higher and more daring”. And having successfully conquered the Hull College stunt, he encouraged others to give it a go.
His granddaughter, Alisa Tomlinson, who organised the event as community and events fundraiser for the charity, said she couldn’t be prouder. She said: “He’s determined to do it, and honestly, it’s amazing to see.”
Michael had been so keen that he originally tried to sign up last year but Alisa thought he was joking and didn’t register him.
Talking about his efforts for the charity, he said: “They do things for underprivileged children and let them do things they wouldn’t normally do. I’ve raised a few pounds myself through sponsorship and then £120 myself, another £50 coming from my granddaughter and then my eldest daughter has done something online which should bring about another £200.”
Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University works with children growing up in disadvantaged areas of Hull and East Yorkshire, giving them learning experiences to help build self-esteem and inspire dreams for their future. Their activities include trips to London, a day at a local business learning about the industry, a sleepover in the Natural History Museum and intergenerational experiences bringing the young and the elderly together.
You can donate to Michael’s fundraising page on JustGiving.
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