THE health of humans and animals will benefit from a Dorchester woman’s daring challenge in May.

Carol Murgatroyd is preparing to abseil more than 100 metres down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower – raising funds for Humanimal Trust.

On May 16, she will take part in the charity’s first-ever Spinnaker Tower Abseil, raising money to support medical research that benefits both humans and animals.

The charity was founded by renowned orthopaedic veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and promotes the concept of One Medicine – the principle that human and animal health are closely connected and should be advanced together.

Carol, who works for Leucillin, said her experience has shown her how closely linked human and animal health can be.

“I decided to take part in the abseil because, as someone who has spent most of my life caring for animals, I’ve seen first-hand how closely human and animal health are connected,” she said.

“I’m both excited and a little nervous about the abseil – it’s definitely outside my comfort zone – but I’m looking forward to raising awareness and support for such an important cause.

“I really hope people will get behind me and help contribute to research that could make a meaningful difference for all living beings.”

Carol Murgatroyd is abseiling in aid of the Humanimal Trust

The Spinnaker Tower is one of the UK’s tallest structures outside London, offering spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent.

And places are still available for folks prepared to take to the ropes and make their way down. No previous abseiling experience is required, and the challenge is open to individuals and teams.

Joe Bailey, CEO of Humanimal Trust, who will be taking on the challenge alongside Trustees, said: “Stories like Carol’s show how personal experiences can be transformed into meaningful action.

“This challenge is about more than conquering fears or ticking something off a bucket list. Every person who abseils the Spinnaker Tower is helping us drive forward One Medicine research that can transform lives, human and animal alike. We’re thrilled to be bringing supporters together for such an iconic event.”

Participants will receive a charity T-shirt, a personalised fundraising page and dedicated support. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged.

To sign up, visit www.humanimaltrust.org.uk, or to sponsor Carol, visit https://bit.ly/4sWhtdr.