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Community Involvement

Everest in a Day Challenge at Trellick Tower

On 13 June 2009 Lakehouse joined X Factor finalist JLS to take part in the 'Everest in a Day' challenge at Trellick Tower in support of 'My Generation' and the 'British Schools Exploring Society'. Five Lakehouse staff joined a group of around 100 supporters to abseil down Trellick Tower while other Lakehouse staff, friends and family provided those taking part with a much needed hearty breakfast followed by a lunch barbeque. The British Army was on site with a small training wall so that those taking part could get some training by the best before making the big climb, and the big drop.

The idea behind 'Everest in a Day' is simple - 100 people climb the 31 storeys of Trellick Tower, one of London's biggest landmarks, and then abseil 322 feet down with the help of the British Army. A 322 foot drop done by 100 people is 32,200 feet, more than 2,000 feet higher than Mount Everest, hence the title of the challenge.

Funds raised through this event are for the 'Next Generation Programme' which was set up in 2006 with the aim of inspiring young people to take control of their own lives, to be achievers and to confront their limitations. It offers disaffected youth a fully mentored and supported 10 month programme of outdoor and expedition related skills training, culminating in a five-week wilderness expedition.

Lakehouse became aware of the community event through its work on a £2.4M Decent Homes project for Kensington and Chelsea TMO. Work started in April 2009 and is providing thousands of residents at Trellick Tower with vital improvements to their homes; 60% of those affected will benefit from new kitchens and bathrooms. Lakehouse provided personal protective equipment for those taking part and members of Lakehouse's supply chain volunteered to supply and erect the scaffolding required to keep the whole area safe and secure.