‘Vertical Mile’ challenge raises much-needed funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice

Paradise Birmingham and its development partners raised £5,104 from a challenge which saw 15 teams from the Octagon in Birmingham's development teams run up the 888 steps to the top of the 155 metre tall, 49 storey skyscraper as part of a topping out ceremony.

Local architecture practice and designers of The Octagon, Howells, swept the board with the fastest team, fastest female with Evie Richardson who came in with a time of seven minutes and 12 seconds, and fastest male, Jamie Parish, who completed the climb in five minutes and seven seconds. 

Every entrant in this unique event completed the challenge, with all 80 runners reaching the top of the building safely. 

City Developments Ltd, Midgard, MEPC, Howells, Turley, Arup, Quantem, JRL Ark, SOM, OFR, Design MEP, Thompson AV, D Line, Spray Plaster Specialists Ltd and Flick Lighting all contributed to the final amount as well as individual donations made during the event.

Andy Bushell, development manager at Paradise developer and asset manager MEPC, said: “The Vertical Mile was a highly successful part of last year’s ‘topping out’ that not only allowed many teams to run to the top of Birmingham’s tallest building, but also raised more than £5,000 for Acorns in the process. 

"The cash will help Acorns to continue providing its brilliant services across the West Midlands region that helps many hundreds of local families every year.” 

Neil McGinty, development director of City Developments Ltd, owner of The Octagon, added: “Acorns is a great recipient for our Vertical Mile charity event and I am very pleased to help pass on the money to them today. 

"I know Acorns is a great local organisation running a much-needed service for families across Birmingham and the West Midlands and everyone involved in The Octagon is proud to support them.”

Vicki Rowles, Director of Fundraising at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “This incredible challenge has really taken fundraising for Acorns to new heights. 

"We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part in this historic event as every penny raised will go direct towards our lifeline care for seriously ill children across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“Not only has the event helped ensure we can be there for families when they need us most, it has highlighted the towering challenges that families caring for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions face every day. 

"But with the help of supporters like Paradise Birmingham and its development partners, we can make sure families never face those challenges alone. 

"From everyone at Acorns, thank you.”