1,000 Competitors Step Up 4 Christchurch and Raise £275 000

1,000 Competitors Step Up 4 Christchurch and Raise Over £275,000

Maori Haka spurs on earthquake fundraisers at London’s “Gherkin” tower

22nd May 2011

Over 1,000 people took part in today’s Step Up 4 Christchurch event, a 1,037-step charity stair climb at London’s famous ‘Gherkin’ tower, raising over £275,000 for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal so far, exceeding the target by at least 10%. Some performed the traditional Maori Haka, to prepare for the challenge. Others dressed as bottles of New Zealand wine and beer, together with a wedding dress, togas and Flintstones costumes. Two participants even scaled the 180m skyscraper in high heels.

Participants were sponsored to climb the 38 floors to enjoy the exclusive panoramic views from the iconic London landmark.

Demand for places exceeded all expectations with people flocking to show their support for Christchurch and to join in the New Zealand flavoured family day out with live music, entertainment including Manaia, a Maori performance group, the Elysium III singers, a New Zealand BBQ and drinks.

The event was the brainchild of two London-based Kiwi businessmen, Kent Gardner and Paul Kendrick of Evans Randall, the investment banking and private equity group that half-owns 30 St Mary Axe, or the ‘Gherkin’, as it is better known. Ensuring all the money raised goes directly to the appeal, Evans Randall have covered all costs as well as donating £50,000.

“The support we’ve received has been amazing and we are so pleased with the amount of money we’ve raised for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Everyone has their own reasons for taking part and it’s been a great day,” said Kent Gardner, Chief Executive of Evans Randall.

The earthquake which struck Christchurch on 22nd February this year claimed 180 lives, destroyed 10,000 homes and left the city in devastation without essential services. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key supported the event when he took time out from his Royal Wedding visit last month to lend his support for Step Up 4 Christchurch, by attending a reception on the top floor of the building for the charity.

The event is supported by CBRE, Bedell Group, Clifford Chance, SJBerwin, KPMG and Davenport Lyons who have donated directly to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal as well as entering teams into the stair climb.

Danny Bent achieved the fastest time of 04.56, the fastest female Gillian Banks came in at 05.46 and the fastest team was Stairway to Heaven at 06.05.

It is still possible to support the event and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, please visit www.stepup4christchurch.com

ENDS

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