Honouring her grandad’s lift landmark legacy: Jenna takes the leap for complex mental health

A woman from Silverstone is abseiling down Northampton’s iconic lift tower this weekend to support a local charity and to honour her grandfather who worked for the Express Lift Company all his life.

Jenna Sutton is among some of the participants who have signed up to take part in the 418-foot descent to raise money for the For Hope in Every Life appeal.

Launched earlier this year, the appeal was created to raise vital funds to support care and recovery for people with a range of the most complex needs, such as acquired brain injury, schizophrenia, personality disorder and complex dementia.

Jenna said: “Complex mental health is close to my heart as I work within the sector and I also have been personally affected via some family members. Additionally, my grandad James John Sutton, devoted his entire career to the firm responsible for building the lifts. He was incredibly proud of his work which involved building the lifts that were eventually tested in this tower when it was constructed in 1980. It was his first and only job, interrupted only by his service in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

“It feels like I’m honouring his legacy by taking part in this event. It’s because of him, that I have this affinity for the iconic landmark. I was lucky enough to get taken up there as a child by my grandad. I don’t have much memory of the day, other than it was very windy. I very much hope Saturday – when I’m abseiling down the structure – isn’t windy as I’m not sure my nerves could take that.”

A total of 16 people are taking part in the abseil which takes place on Saturday, 25 October. Members of the public can financially support the cause or can go along to cheer on participants.

Oli Hiscoe, Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re thrilled to have so many people signed up to take part in our first official charity fundraiser. We would like to wish everyone luck and take the opportunity to thank all those have donated and continue to support our cause.

“For Hope in Every Life goes beyond the boundaries of traditional care, closing the gap between quality treatment and truly transformative support. Through a blend of innovation, compassion, and evidence-based practice, we aim to redefine complex mental health care - proving what’s possible when we consistently go the extra mile for those we serve.”

To get involved and be inspired go to hopeineverylife.org or to send a donation to Jenna, click here.