The team from the Doubletree Hilton Metropole Brighton
Our latest Superhero Drop 360 at Brighton i360 took place this week, with 30 brave superheroes taking the plunge.
Our latest Superhero Drop 360 took place on the longest day of the year with the sun setting along the beautiful Brighton coastline.
The Superhero Drop 360, operated by the i360, saw each fundraiser securely lowered, some on their own and some in tandem, from the open pod doors 450ft above Brighton seafront, taking in spectacular view of the city. Each one enjoyed the sweeping 360-degree views as they gently glided down to beach level to be cheered on by their supporters.
Richard Smith, Kate Moysen and Liz Walker from One Garden
Along with participants from local companies including Barrington James, Creative Pod and One Garden, a group of twelve staff from the Double Tree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, also took to the skies in two flights of the iconic seafront structure.
One of the participants was Emma Wilby, aged 25 from Heathfield in Sussex who had a particular reason for wanting to take part. Within 24 hours of being born, Emma needed surgery at the old Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital on Dyke Road, for a condition effecting her bowel and bladder.
From then on Emma was treated for her condition at both the old and current Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and has been incredibly grateful for all the support she and her family has received from the hospital and Rockinghorse.
So, in 2016 Emma decided to start supporting us, starting with fundraising to get a one-off Rockinghorse tattoo! Emma said, “I wanted to support Rockinghorse because it’s such a brilliant charity and one very close to my heart. The work they do for sick children is amazing.”
Emma Wilby with her parents
Then, when she heard about the Superhero Drop 360 she thought it would be a great thing to do. She said, “I’d been seeing it advertised on the Rockinghorse website for years but always been a bit too scared to do it but this year I thought ‘No, this year I’m going to do something that’s a bit scary’ and actually this is the year to push myself.”
Asked if she was scared, Emma said, “It was petrifying! Actually, it was ok once you get going, but it’s better to be back on the ground!
“I would definitely recommend other people do it. The adrenaline rush is good, even if I am still a little bit scared, and I am so proud of myself and the money I’ve raised is brilliant!”
Emma Cunliffe, Supporter Engagement Manager for Rockinghorse, was really pleased with how the event went: “It was a beautiful night, and such a great atmosphere. The seafront is always a great place to be but this evening just felt extra special – perhaps because it was the longest day of the year.
Emma’s special Rockinghorse tattoo
“It’s always wonderful to welcome so many people who want to challenge themselves and raise dome money for their local children’s charity. Their support means so much to us and helps us carry on all our work so a massive thanks to each and every one of the superheroes that too part.”
And it’s not too late to donate – if you know someone who took part, head over to their fundraising page and show your support for their bravery and to help babies, children and young people in your community.
And if you’d like to take the plunge in this, or any other challenge event, take a look at our events page to find out what you can sign up to.
