Take the BT Tower challenge with Dame Ellen MacArthur

by Nicky Moore on 8 Mar 2011 She’s climbed soaring masts in the world’s fiercest oceans but Dame Ellen MacArthur will scale new heights when she joins more than 270 people set to climb the 843 stairs to the top of the iconic BT Tower to raise money for two leading children’s cancer charities in April.

The BT Tower Challenge, in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Barretstown – two innovative charities who are working together with the common goal to rebuild the confidence of young people affected by cancer – takes place in London on Thursday 7 April and there are two unique opportunities for you to show your support and get involved.

Join internationally-renowned yachtswoman Ellen– between 8am and 9.30am for breakfast at the top of the Tower, with the £50 per head donation going to the two charities.

Or if you can’t quite make it for breakfast, you can still join Ellen as she tackles the 34 floor ascent to the Tower’s summit – the equivalent of 24 double-decker buses end-to-end. Take the stair challenge between 11am and 4pm and make the most of this rare opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views over London while raising funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Barretstown.

There is a £25 entry fee for those taking on the climb and we ask that every person taking part aims to raise an additional £100 in donations. Breakfast costs £50 per person. If getting to the top in 22 seconds via the lift sounds a much more appealing option to you then you can still enjoy the view with a £25 donation. Every pound donated will go directly to the Ellen MacArthur Trust or Barretstown.

Ellen said: 'This is such a rare opportunity to be able to view London’s iconic skyline and historic buildings. Barretstown and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust are very grateful to BT for the opportunity to both raise awareness and funds for their work with young people in recovery from cancer and other serious illness. We are looking forward to an action packed day and hope that we get 270 people to take the stair challenge.'

To find out more about the BT Tower breakfast: Click here

To register for the stair challenge: Click here

Don’t fancy the challenge? You can also buy a lift pass: Click here

Ellen set up the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in 2003 to, through sailing, rebuild confidence in young people, aged 8-24, who have suffered from cancer or leukaemia. The Trust runs four or five day sailing trips in the Solent plus week-long residential trips to Bradwell Outdoor Education Centre in Essex. The Trust also invites the young people back annually to take part in other sailing events including the J.P Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race and Cowes Week. Many young people return as volunteers once they turn 18.

Meanwhile, Barretstown gives children with cancer, blood disorders and other serious illnesses, aged seven to 17, the chance to rebuild their lives through a programme of arts, adventure and fun activities at the centre in County Kildare in Ireland. Having often missed out on normal childhood experiences due to illness, children come from Ireland and all over Europe to take part in the life-changing programme, which includes performing on stage and climbing the 40ft giant’s tower to fishing, horse riding, photography and pottery.

Ellen has a long-standing relationship with BT, dating back as far as 1995 when she won the BT/YJA Young Sailor of the Year Award. BT were her official communications partner throughout her headline-making achievements in various Rhoute du Rhum, Vendee Globe, Jules Verne Trophy and Transat races plus her 2005 record-breaking round-the-world feat.

To book your place in the BT Tower Challenge raising funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Barretstown visit the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust Barretstown website