Paul Day, technical director of Berkshire-based document management specialist company Filestream, is taking part in the world’s first-ever Skyscraper Challenge in London on Saturday September 9. 

The challenge takes place at two iconic skyscrapers – The Cheesegrater and The Gherkin. All participants will run up the 42 floors of  The Cheesegrater, followed by the choice of either abseiling 200 metres back down to ground level or taking a zip wire across the London skyline to The Gherkin.

600 people taking part in the event will be raising money for Tommy’s, a charity committed to saving babies’ lives by funding pioneering research and supporting families through every aspect of the pregnancy journey.

The charity’s work has personal relevance for Paul and his family. 

“My wonderful niece and her great husband lost a beautiful baby, so I am doing this in memory of Win,” he said.

“Training has been challenging I’ve been hitting the gym regularly and have now completed the couch to 5k running programme. I took part in my first park run in  March which I completed in 37 minutes and 55 seconds, which is not too bad for an old man who is still a work in progress.” 

Paul has already reached 70% of his personal fundraising target of £1,250. The charity relies on donations for its work. For example:

• £30 could fund a midwife appointment for a parent at one of its clinics
• £400 could fund pregnancy information resources for antenatal units across the UK, such as the Sleep on Side and Movement Matter leaflets
• £1,000 could help fund Tommy’s Net for six months, which is a database for gathering clinical trial results to identify risk factors and develop better care for parents.

“I’m proud to be joining Team Tommy’s to support their vital work saving babies’ lives. They believe it is unacceptable that one in four women lose a baby during pregnancy and birth. They want every parent to have the best possible pregnancy outcomes,” said Paul. 

And which challenge has Paul opted for, abseil or zip wire?

“I will be running up over 1,000 stairs to the 42nd floor of The Cheesegrater then abseiling 200 metres down it. An expert abseiler has advised that everyone taking part will be wearing a four-point harness, a helmet and a pair of gloves. So I’m in good hands as I throw myself off a rather large building.” 

To support Paul’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paulday2023