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Christmas climbers to raise money for cancer charity

Bea SwallowWest of England
News imageBBC An angular climbing walk covering the walls and ceilings of a large building. They are covered in Brightly coloured hand holds and ropes. People stand at the bottom looking at the walls. Crash mats cover the floor.BBC
All visitors will be charged the standard entry fee, with all entry costs donated directly to Climbers Against Cancer

A climbing centre is opening its doors on Christmas Day for an annual climb event to raise money for a cancer charity.

In 2024, the event at 270 Climbing Park in Gloucester raised more than £2,200 for Climbers Against Cancer, an amount they hope to match this time around.

Staff will work for free and visitors will be asked to donate the price of a standard entry fee which is between £16-18.50.

David Stevens, director of the park, described it as a "meaningful date" in their calendar where people can come together for a good cause.

"It is solely driven by the passion and commitment of our staff who volunteer their time to make it happen," he added.

News image270 Climbing Park A view half way up one of the tall climbing walls at the centre. The white walls are sloped and jagged, dotted with various brightly coloured handles of different shaped and sizes for people to grab onto. There is a man wearing beige shorts, a pink top and a yellow harness climbing up the opposite wall.270 Climbing Park
The park, which opened in August, features some of the UK's tallest climbing walls

The climbing centre actively supports cancer awareness and fundraising, hosting charity events and climbs such as Emmerdale star James Moore's Ben Nevis challenge for Myeloma UK.

Mr Stevens said they were "proud to be raising funds" for Climbers Against Cancer, who "donate absolutely every penny" they receive directly to cancer research.

"I think most of us would have had some of our lives touched by cancer," he said.

He also said the event was "a really nice chance" for people who may not have plans for Christmas Day "to come down and have that little bit of a social connection".

"I think if people are on their own or they have other reasons why they can't travel and see family, it can probably be quite a lonely time of year," he added.

News image270 Climbing Park The indoor climbing centre which has white walls in jagged irregular shapes and slopes, with bright colourful handles where people can grab onto and climb. 270 Climbing Park
The centre raised more than £2,200 in 2024 - an amount they hope to match or beat this year

The climbing centre said the event attracts a wide range of visitors each year, including from as far as Sheffield.

Some attend to climb and burn off energy before Christmas dinner; others are looking for something new and different to do on Christmas Day.

Experienced climbers are able to practice roped climbing while others may prefer bouldering, a style of rock climbing focused on strength, technique, balance, and problem-solving.

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