Join Helen & Douglas House for an adrenaline fuelled event and abseil down the iconic Lodge Gate of Exeter College in the heart of Oxford, whose past students include Lord of the Rings writer, J.R.R. Tolkien, actor Richard Burton and designer William Morris.
By taking on the abseil for Helen & Douglas House you will receive:
- A Helen & Douglas House t-shirt
- Fundraising tips and resources
- A completion certificate
FAQs
- How can I get there?
- Who can take part?
- What is the age limit?
- Should we bring food and drink?
- A friend has signed up. Can we be put in the same group?
- What should we wear?
- Are spectators allowed?
- What can I expect to happen on the day?
Exeter College is located on Turl Street, in central Oxford. There is no parking onsite but Oxford is well connected by train and bus and there are several car parks in the vicinity such as Westgate Car Park and Oxpens.
We can accommodate people up to 18 stone in weight, but no more due to the restrictions on equipment and loads exerted, although they may need to be fitted with extra equipment for their comfort. If you are heavier than 18 stone but would like to take part, just let us know as soon as possible so we can discuss the possibility of your participation with our abseil instructor.
The abseiling instructor reserves the right to decline an individual’s participation should their build be deemed unsuitable for the activity.
All participants must be aged 18 or over, unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (a minimum age of 14 then applies). A teacher or youth leader acting in loco parentis is not adequate. The parent or legal guardian must complete a Parental Consent Form prior to the event and will need to remain within sight and earshot of the minor – this will normally mean that they need to be with the minor whilst they prepare and accompany their child as is reasonably practicable during their participation.
We do not recommend an upper age limit for participation although we would recommend that older individuals consult their doctor if they have any concerns about their health or ability.
There will be tea/coffee/cold drinks and light snacks for you and toilets on site. Spectators are welcome to watch but please can they bring their own refreshments if desired.
Participants will complete the challenge in groups of up to 10 people within one-hour time slots from 1pm – 5pm. We will do our best to accommodate grouping requests, please get in touch with our events team with your request: events@helenanddouglas.org.uk
- Your Helen & Douglas House branded t-shirt!
- Trainers or walking boots are best. No heels, Flip-flops or sandals.
- Warm clothing
- Waterproofs
Spectators are welcome to watch but please can they bring their own refreshments if desired.
The Helen & Douglas House team will be onsite to greet you. Once everyone in your group has arrived you will be met by the Abseil Instructor who will explain everything that’s going to happen, let you practice the technique, get you kitted up and lead you up to the roof. You are in extremely safe hands.
An abseil participant from 2023
“Thank you for organising such an enjoyable event! Not only was the abseil itself exciting and fulfilling to have completed, but the friendly atmosphere created by the staff made the event a genuinely lovely afternoon, meeting new people and supporting a wonderful cause.”
Nora, who abseiled in 2023
“This was probably the best thing I have done since coming to Oxford!”
Make memories while making a difference
Helen & Douglas House has been caring for local terminally ill children and their families since 1982. We help children and their families at our hospice, at home and in hospital with respite stays, pain relief, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support.