Directors from some of Manchester’s most recognised media agencies have come together with Trustees of Greater Manchester charity Mustard Tree to complete the largest abseil in the North West.
Influential individuals from Wavemaker, Dentsu, Conker and Bloom North braved the 170ft descent down the Trafford Centre’s iconic Palazzo Tower, in aid of Mustard Tree, whose mission is to combat poverty and prevent homelessness.
Jo Walby – CEO of Mustard Tree said, “we always talk about Mustard Tree being a movement, and what we have to do is not only raise money, but also spread hope and positivity around the need to fight poverty and inequality across Greater Manchester. It’s not just the fact that these wonderful people are raising money, but that their friends and families have turned up as well to show their support”.
The abseilers scaled the tower alongside 4 Mustard Tree trustees, together raising £5,000 from over 200 donors, for vital training and support offers. The charity has seen a significant increase in demand for its services, with a surge of individuals and families struggling to cope amidst cost-of-living pressures.
“We partner with Mustard Tree at Wavemaker and I went to a volunteer day and found out the work that they do is so important”, says Lisa Thompson, President of Bloom North. “It feels really nice to give back to charity so embedded in Manchester”.
Heidi Kenyon-Smith from Communications Agency Dentsu added, “we like to really support local charities and because we have a big presence in Manchester, we’re keen to support a charity that helps people in need across the city – it felt like a perfect charity partner for us”.
Supporting the charity during the descents were the Manchester branch of ‘Rock Choir’, a contemporary choir made up of members from all backgrounds. One member, Emma, has been a member for 12 years and joined after wanting something to do outside working and being a mum. “I joined on my own and now all of my social life is built around Rock Choir – some of my best friends are here”.
Nici Wertheim, Mustard Tree trustee and Director at Swizzels Matlow said: “taking part in the abseil was absolutely exhilarating – doing something that is raising money for an amazing cause and pushing us out of our comfort zones is something really special.”
Mustard Tree’s Abseil JustGiving page is still open for those who would like to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MustardTreeAbseil2023