Vincents’ Poulton team smashes Galloways Big One challenge

Iconic roller coaster walk to raise money and awareness for Lancashire charity

They came, they climbed, they conquered… and they smashed their fundraising target.

The intrepid team from Vincents Solicitors in Poulton raised £790 with their ascent of Blackpool’s iconic Big One rollercoaster.

The money will go to slight loss charity Galloways in Penwortham, an organisation Vincents has been supporting over the last few years.

The terrific trio of Sophie Mercer, Courtney Leach and Kieran McGahey donned full climbing gear and harnesses to tackle the 430 steps to the 235ft summit.

Clear skies gave the team an incredible view from the top, but the wind at higher level gave them some pause for thought.

Courtney Leach, Poulton’s private client solicitor, said: “We were all a bit nervous before we set off but we were all harnessed up and the weather was good, so we were confident it would be ok.

“It’s quite tiring as you make your way up the steps, and we were glad of the breeze, but it did get quite windy as we got the top which was a bit nervewracking. Looking up to take in the view from 235ft was an amazing experience, I’m so glad we did it.”

The team set a target of £750, so they are delighted to have raised £790 in donations from family, friends, colleagues and clients.

Crucially, they have also raised awareness about the charity among people who didn’t know about the support Galloways offers to people living with sight loss across Lancashire.

Galloways helps individuals and families adapt to life with visual impairment by providing practical support, specialist advice, rehabilitation services, social activities, and opportunities that promote confidence and independence.

Sophie Mercer, commercial property specialist and head of the Poulton office, said: “Galloways is a small but mighty local charity, quietly getting on with making a real difference in people’s lives. We’re so lucky to have this resource in Lancashire and this fundraiser has given us the chance to tell people about the great work the charity does.”

Galloways needs to raise £1.5m every year to provide its services, so the donation is hugely welcomed. Corporate engagement lead Kelly Love said: “The team did an amazing job on the Big One walk, they were so brave and I think even managed to have some fun. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support Vincents provides to Galloways, it really does help make the lives of our members easier.”

The fundraising page is still open for a few more days, to to sponsor Vincents Poulton team’s Galloways Big One challenge click here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/vincentspoulton

Galloways is based in Penwortham, just south of Preston, and supports people from across Lancashire and Sefton every day.

Vincents is a major supporter of the charity as a member of the 1867 Club corporate sponsorship programme and has a plaque on the charity’s ‘Wall of Fame’.

Staff from the Penwortham branch have taken part in Get Me Out Of Here-style fundraising challenges and attend Galloways’ annual fundraising ball.

For more information about fundraising events at Galloways or to find out about the services the charity offers to people with sight impairment go to: https://galloways.org.uk

Pictured [L-R]: Vincents Solicitors’ Big One challengers Sophie Mercer, Courtney Leach and Kieran McGahey