Sportspark customers and local climbers have helped raise £1915 for Derby Mountain Rescue Team. A charity climbing competition was held at Sportspark on Saturday January 29th to raise money for the team who saved the life of one of the centres regular climbers.
Jim Pratt from Carleton Rode, near Attleborough, fell 30ft in the Peak District in September 2010 when he was tackling one of the hardest routes in the region. He broke a vertebra in his back. The speedy assistance of the Derby Mountain Rescue Team ensured he received the specialist treatment necessary to protect him against further injury en route to hospital. Jim has now made a full recovery and is back at work.
Around 80 people took part in the climbing competition which was organised by local climbing enthusiasts Dave Reeve and Mel Forrer. Climbing challenges were held for juniors and adults including a speed climb, climbing in wellies contest, a blind folded climb, no hands climb and a “hang tough” challenge, where climbers were timed for how long they could hold themselves hanging from the bouldering cave.
Sportspark made a donation of £700 to the charity. The money has been raised by Sportspark customers who have made donations in return for copies of the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News, which have been supplied by Archant Norfolk.
Organiser Dave Reeve said: “The evening was a great success. We raised over £1900 thanks to the substantial donation from Sportspark and from Jim himself, along with the proceeds from the tickets and raffle. Venture Sport, Anglia Electrical Wholesale and Cotswold provided prizes for the raffle and competitors, and local climbers also provided prizes for the raffle. Members of Derby Mountain Rescue Team attended the event and commented on the high standard of climbers taking part, particularly the juniors.”
Jim Pratt added: “I’d also like to thank all the instructors who helped on the night. They gave up their time and made sure it all ran smoothly.”
Sportspark’s Dryside and Outdoor Manager, Anna Linsmith said: “The evening was excellent and my thanks go to Dave and Mel for their hard work in organising the event. Derby Mountain Rescue Team was delighted with the money raised. I’d like to thank everyone who attended the fundraiser and made a donation, as well as all of our other customers who contributed towards the £700 Sportspark donated.”
For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk
