Fundraiser takes on Gherkin Challenge for NSPCC a year after spinal surgery

A LONG-standing NSPCC fundraiser from Royston will race up 38 floors to the top of an iconic skyscraper in aid of the charity on Sunday 27th October.

Sarah Varney will take on the Gherkin Challenge, climbing the 1,037 stairs to the top of the London landmark. She will be joined by her colleague Lucas Taylor from Mike Varney Physiotherapy in Harlow, where she is co-director with her husband.

She has been a dedicated NSPCC supporter for more than three decades, organising a range of events that have raised vital funds.

Sarah said: “Thirty-three years ago myself and a group of first-time mums were asked by the charity to set up a committee in the area.

“We agreed and began with coffee mornings and jewellery and clothes sales. As our children got older we branched out with bigger events with sponsors and even 25 years ago we were raising sums of £10,000 to £20,000.

“Nowadays there are only four of us as many of the committee has moved away, but we keep raising money where we can.

“Recently I introduced the charity to my staff at Mike Varney Physiotherapy and after hearing about the high levels of child abuse across the country they were inspired to fundraise.

“I’m incredibly proud of all my staff, especially my young teammate Lucas Taylor who will be climbing the Gherkin with me. Last year I had lumbar spinal surgery so it may take me awhile to get to the top, but I’m determined to reach it.

“I will never stop fundraising and spreading the word about the NSPCC as sadly there will always be a need for the charity, so I will gladly do whatever I can.”

It is the 10th year that members of #TeamNSPCC will tackle the Gherkin Challenge, with dedicated supporters like Sarah raising a total of £1.4 million to date. This could help fund NSPCC services such as the Speak Out. Stay safe. programme which helps thousands of children understand the signs of abuse and neglect and who to talk to if they are worried.

Each £250 raised could help the charity reach 83 primary schoolchildren.

Charlotte Thompson, NSPCC Senior Fundraiser, said: “The Gherkin Challenge is a great opportunity to push yourself and have fun, but at the same time help the NSPCC protect children from abuse.

“Each step of this fantastic challenge has helped to raise an incredible amount of money over the past nine years and we are really grateful to all our fundraisers.

“We will be there to encourage and support our ‘gherkineers’ along the way, and will celebrate with them at the top. Thank you to Sarah for her efforts with this challenge and for all the work she has done for the charity over the years.”

The record time to reach the summit is four minutes 48 seconds.