Kate Astley, junior account manager at BLUE, scaled 130ft up the main mast of the tall ship STS Lord Nelson on 29th June to raise money for Seafarers UK.
On yet another typically rainy British summer day, Kate travelled to Southampton to take on a charity challenge in aid of SeafarersUK, BLUE’s s first charity activity of the summer months.
Having been issued harnesses on arrival, the sixteen climbers, including Kate, soon found out that they would not be attached to safety lines for the entire ascent – only on the underhanging ladders used to reach the two main platforms! These sections were by far the most challenging part of the climb, requiring the ability to follow instructions, good coordination and pure force of mind over matter.
Kate said: “The mast climb was honestly one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. The people from the Jubilee Sailing Trust, who ran the climb on the day, were fantastic and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. I’d particularly like to thank Lesley, who calmed me down when I was on the verge of panicking and giving up at the ladder to the second platform. ”
It took Kate two attempts to work up the nerve to climb to the top of the final rope ladder and reach the 130ft mark, but with much gritting of teeth and drawing upon her complete inability to go back on a commitment, she finally completed the entirety of the challenge that she had set herself.
Kate thanks everyone that has already sponsored her in aid of SeafarersUK. You can still contribute to her fundraising effort at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Kate_Astley
Other members of the BLUE team will be taking part in charity challenges over the months ahead; keep an eye on the website to find out more.
SeafarersUK supports men and women who have served at sea in the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and their families. Find out more…
