Paul Rowley along with twenty brave Outward Bound supporters made history this week as they abseiled down the Empire State Building in New York. They did so alongside celebrity participant and rock-star, Jared Leto whilst being cheered on by fellow Outward Bound Trustee, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice.
The event – the first of its kind – is raising vital funds for Outward Bound in the UK and other international Outward Bound partners around the globe. Participants' total donations so far exceed £2.4 million.
Paul said: “It was incredible, I still can't believe I did it. My heart was in my mouth the moment I went over the edge, but once you were through the clouds with all of Manhattan beneath you I could begin to truly take it all in. To be able to do this for such a wonderful cause is also so important to me, Outward Bound exists to unlock potential in young people and I feel like this experience did much the same for me.”
Princess Beatrice was also present during the rappel to support the charity and its brave fundraisers, she 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.
“Recently, I climbed up the fin of the Empire State Building to announce Thirty Seconds to Mars’ world tour and now as the tour begins, I’m excited to head the opposite direction and rappel down to shine a light on the incredible work of Outward Bound.” said Jared Leto. “I’ve always admired Outward Bound and how they inspire people around the globe to transform their lives through adventure, challenge, experience, and discovery.”
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!”
