A REME Artificer serving in Southampton was the very first soldier to zip wire down Bournemouth’s newest attraction, in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
SSgt Guy Sargeant, who currently serves with 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC and has been in the Army for 17 years took on the challenge alongside his wife Alison.
He said: “I was looking for a new fundraising challenge and I read about the new zip wire from the pier in Bournemouth and knew that I wanted to give it a go. I mentioned it to my wife and managed, after much persuasion, to twist her arm to zip down the dual zip wire with me.”
“Because of my job, the charity is close to my heart. A colleague who became paralysed in an accident was supported by the charity and they provided the funds to enable him to buy a sports wheelchair which has made a really positive difference to his life.
Speaking after his zip wire, Guy said: “Wow, it’s a lot faster than it looks. I can highly recommend doing it – it was a lot of fun. I’m very proud of my wife for getting up there too.”
Assisting those in need
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity and was established over 70 years ago. It gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families, whatever their age or rank, and can provide financial assistance when they are in real need.
Sheena Ross, Briefing & Liaison Officer at The Soldiers’ Charity said: “We are incredibly grateful for the continuing fundraising work that Guy is doing. He’s an inspiration and his fundraising is making a real difference!”
Fancy a go?
The Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire features a 250-metre dual zip wire more than 80 feet above the sea. Launching from the Zip Tower on the end of the pier, thrill-seekers race out and “zip surf” over the top of the waves to land on the beach.
For more information about ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, visit www.soldierscharity.org