Step Up Challenge

Mencap, the learning disability charity, is offering people the chance to climb three London buildings, including the ‘Walkie-Talkie’, combining a 6.1km run, a vertical dash of over 1600 stairs and finishing with a glass of champagne in the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street.

Participants have the choice of taking on two different challenges. Step Up 1, which involves climbing the 36 stories of 20 Fenchurch Street. For those looking for a more extreme challenge, Step up 3,2,1 involves ascending Portland House in Victoria, 5 Strand in Charing Cross and 20 Fenchurch Street. In total participants will climb 71 stories, or 1672 stairs, in addition to a 6.1km run between the three landmarks.

On completion of both challenges, participants will be greeted with a glass of champagne in the luxurious Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, taking in the breathtaking views across the City.

All three buildings are owned by Land Securities who chose Mencap as their official charity partner earlier this year. Participants will be asked to raise £300 sponsorship money (Step up 3,2,1) or £200 (Step Up 1). Every penny will go towards helping Mencap and Land Securities give people with a learning disability a better future.

Event partners Fitness First will be supporting participants with training plans, providing guest passes to their gyms and warm-up and cool down exercises on the day.

Jennie Chambers, Senior Corporate Account Manager at Mencap said:

“Over 1500 steps to climb and a 6.1km run is not for the faint-hearted. However Step Up is giving people the chance to climb one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers and take in the breathtaking views of the city, whilst raising money to help people with a learning disability to have the same support, advice and opportunities as everyone else. For the super energetic out there who want to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in society, Step Up is definitely for you!”