29/05/2026
Today wasn't really about abseiling.
It was about courage.
It was about stepping over an edge when every part of you is saying "don't".
We watched Chris Gilmore, former General Manager of The Queens Hotel, come down the Spinnaker Tower as if he'd done it a hundred times before. Judging by the smiles on the faces of his grandchildren watching from below, they thought their grandad was a superhero. To be fair, we're not entirely convinced he isn't. He did forget his cape, though.
We watched our own General Manager, Paul Playford, take on the challenge with the same attitude he brings to everything he does — giving it everything, encouraging everyone around him, keeping people smiling and somehow still finding room for a joke when most people would be concentrating on not looking down.
We watched Becki Simmons push through a genuine fear of heights, descending with her eyes closed and emotions running high. Waiting at the bottom was her family, ready with the proudest hugs imaginable. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how powerful support can be.
We watched Clare Martin, who never seems to do anything by halves, take on the challenge with her usual determination. In true Clare fashion, she even completed much of the abseil facing forwards. Yet even she admitted the final stretch was tough. The nerves, the feeling of sickness and the adrenaline were a reminder that no matter our roles or titles, we're all human.
And a huge shout out to Kirsty Robertson, who conquered her fears, completed the challenge and has already made it very clear that she has absolutely no intention of ever doing it again.
These are the people who make up our city.
Business leaders. Charity leaders. Friends. Parents. Grandparents. Colleagues.
People with fears, doubts, responsibilities and dreams, just like everyone else.
Today they stepped over the edge for something bigger than themselves.
Portsmouth should be incredibly proud of every single one of them.
If you'd like to support the incredible work of Motiv8, Pompey in the Community and Spark Community Space, donations are still open:
https://loom.ly/_1-B9-4
