Dozens climb down side of 100ft building for charity

An architecture student gained a unique appreciation of a prominent Leicester building - by abseiling down the side of it.

Shouq Al Khaledi had a true first-hand encounter with De Montfort University Leicester's (DMU) Gateway House as she descended all 100ft of its sheer outer wall.

The 19-year-old was one of around 35 people who took up the challenge, held on DMU's campus, in order to raise money for The Spark Arts for Children charity, which provide arts experiences for youngsters living in deprived areas of Leicester.

Despite the wet and windy onset of Hurricane Barney, the intrepid volunteers took their turns at the descent, contributing to a fundraising total of around £4,000 for the charity.

First year Architecture BA student Shouq, who is originally from Kuwait, said, as she was waiting her turn, that she had some experience of extreme sports.

She said: "I did a bungy jump back home in Kuwait a few years ago. That was around 40 metres. But this is a bit different."

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She said she had chosen to study at DMU because she liked the look of the course and the city.

"Leicester is quite different to Kuwait - especially the weather. But I like it and there is always so much going on at DMU. There's such a good community here."

After a shaky start, Shouq took her first steps over the edge of the roof and made steady progress down the side of Gateway House, to the applause of onlookers below.

Touching down, she said she was proud of herself.

She said: "It was really scary at the start. I slipped a little. But it got easier as I went. I'm off now to brag about this to a few friends."

Keith Turner, from The Spark Arts for Children, said he enjoyed holding events at DMU.

He said: "Last year it was a half marathon and next year we're hoping to run a zip line from a crane. Students and staff here are really keen to get involved and it's such a good cause."