Black Box Abseil

Samantha Stott
Black Box Abseil

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Over one hundred people took part in a sponsored abseil at Rochdale’s Municipal Offices (the Black Box) in order to raise money for local lad Adam Kutereba, who has cerebral palsy.

Samantha Stott, 18, braved not only the huge drop but heavy rain and strong wind. After her abseil Samantha spoke to Rochdale Online: "As nervous as I was, all of the staff at the event where very welcoming on arrival with only the typical English weather to dampen the spirits of the day", she said.

She added: "After the formalities, I was shown upstairs to get harnessed up and told what to do (or more importantly what not to do!) whilst on the way down.

"With the staff being so friendly, and clearly knowing their stuff, I was made to feel completely safe so that I was free to enjoy the experience of chucking myself off a very high building!

"I would definitely do it again and would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all involved.

"Fantastic day for a fantastic cause."

The sponsored plunge is the last big event to be held at the offices, known affectionately by locals as the ‘Black Box’. The 230ft building is to be demolished next year and will be replaced by a new building.

Although many people now view the Black Box as an eyesore, it was the height of architecture when it was built in 1977.

The replacement council building, situated on Smith Street, is set to be named Number One Riverside and is due to open later this year.

Nine-year-old Adam also abseiled down the 230 feet:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/70512/brave-beyond-belief