stopping descent: Lifelong Spurs fan takes leap to raise money for charity
From London’s 999 control room to heart-stopping descent: Lifelong Spurs fan takes leap to raise money for charity
A senior member of the 999 call handling team and lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter is stepping off the top of his beloved team’s stadium as part of a charity campaign to help save lives.
James Eden, Deputy Director of 999 Control Centres at London Ambulance Service, is braving the 42 metre-descent from the top of the ground in White Hart Lane for London Ambulance Charity’s Big Stadium Abseil.
James’ teams – who oversee all the 999 calls in the control rooms at London Ambulance Service as well as the incident response officers who respond to complex incidents – care for over two million patients a year across the capital.
Money raised by the abseiling endeavour will help save lives by funding defibrillators and CPR training for local communities and support frontline crews when they need wellbeing support.
James Eden said: “I was born in Tottenham and grew up on White Hart Lane, virtually in the shadow of the stadium.
“The neighbourhood is home for me and I’ve been a lifelong Spurs fan so I wanted to give something back to the community.
“I’ve grown up with a huge love for the club and know the local communities in Tottenham so it’s really nice to help out. It’s a bit of a full circle moment for me.”
Participants will be fully supported, with appropriate safety equipment and a comprehensive safety briefing before they make the descent.
Jess Burgess, Head of Charity at London Ambulance Charity, said: “As a senior member of our operational team with years of helping to care for the people of London, James knows how important it is that local communities have the skills they need to save someone’s life if they suffer a cardiac arrest.
“Whether you want to give back to our crews or ensure that people in your neighbourhood have the best chance of survival should the worst happen, we’re welcoming everyone from all walks of life to sign up for this important cause.
“No experience is necessary! Professionals will guide you as you are safely clipped onto ropes and take the incredibly thrilling descent.”
A registration fee of £25 per person will apply and participants taking part in the event are asked to raise £100 for the Charity.
Participants must be at least 12 years of age to take part in the abseil.