A MAN with Salisbury made history on Monday by abseiling down the Empire State Building in New York.
David Hempleman-Adams, along with twenty supporters of the Educational Charity Outward Bound, completed the challenge alongside actor and rock-star Jared Leto.
They were cheered on by Outward Bound Trustee, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice.
The event – the first of its kind – is raising money for Outward Bound in the UK and other international Outward Bound partners around the globe.
Participants' total donations so far exceed £2.4 million.
Mr Hempleman-Adams, from Salisbury, said, “To be that high up in a cityscape was quite extraordinary for me, it really did take my breath away and I’ve experienced some incredible heights before.
"The view of Manhattan is quite different when it’s beneath you, but I loved every second of it. This event mirrored everything Outward Bound stands for, from taking young people in schools or apprentices in business out of their comfort zones, to giving participants an opportunity to discover what they’re truly capable of.
"Outward Bound was practising what they preached, and delivered exactly what I hoped, I feel really proud to have done it with them and support the work that they do.”
Princess Beatrice added: “Bringing young people out of their comfort zones and supporting them to achieve something they never thought possible is what Outward Bound is all about.
"I am so happy to offer my support as a Trustee and I am a great admirer of Outward Bound and all they stand for - these participants really are an inspiration.”
Jared Leto kicked off the Big Rappel, which spans nearly 900 feet from the building’s iconic spire down to the 30th floor.
Outward Bound is a worldwide educational and charitable network whose mission is to change young people’s lives through challenge, learning, and adventure.
Martin Davidson, Outward Bound CEO, said: “It is awesome to put on this event at the Empire State Building. Outward Bound has been supporting young people to push through and challenge themselves for the last 85 years, and the participants of the Big Rappel will be showing that appetite for adventure in abundance!
“In the UK, Outward Bound inspires thousands of young people every year to achieve something they never thought possible by taking them from inner-city environments into our national parks where they experience the extraordinary and learn what they are truly capable of.
"It’s so great to see the rappelers in action – they really are an inspiration!”
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