Bramford to Twinstead team supports local charity with pylon climb fundraiser

Eleven members of National Grid's Bramford to Twinstead project team took on the challenge of climbing a transmission tower at National Grid's Eakring Training Centre on 19 August, raising almost £2,000 for local charity Brave Futures Ipswich.

The fundraiser saw colleagues from across the project scale the tower under the supervision of specialist trainers, helping raise funds for Brave Futures, a Suffolk-based charity that provides specialist support to children and young people affected by abuse and trauma.

Jenny Minnis, Community Liaison Officer for the Bramford to Twinstead project, said:

"Brave Futures does incredible work supporting children and young people who have experienced abuse and trauma. They're a local charity making a real difference to families across Ipswich and Suffolk, which is why we wanted to support them.

"The pylon climb gave us an opportunity to take on a challenge together while raising awareness and funds for a cause that is close to the local community."

Participants from across the project volunteered to take part, stepping outside their comfort zones to complete the climb.

Chloe Hobbs, Consent Officer, said:

"I wanted to take part because Brave Futures is such an important local charity and it felt like a great opportunity to support a good cause while doing something completely different.

"It was definitely more physical than I expected, but reaching the top was a fantastic achievement and I'm really proud to have been part of it."

Tanaka Gobere, Associate Project Manager, added:

"I was a little apprehensive before starting the climb, but once I got going I really enjoyed it. It was a great challenge, a real workout, and even better knowing it was all to support such a worthwhile charity."

As part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid is upgrading the electricity transmission network between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex through the construction of a new overhead line and underground cable.

The project is helping reinforce the electricity network in East Anglia so it can carry increasing volumes of renewable and low carbon energy, helping meet future demand, strengthen energy security and support the UK's transition to a cleaner energy system.

Alongside delivering nationally significant infrastructure, the project is committed to creating lasting benefits for local communities. Earlier this year, National Grid launched the first phase of the Bramford to Twinstead Community Fund, a multi-year programme designed to support community projects and deliver long-term benefits in areas close to the route.

The project also continues to support local organisations through community and volunteering initiatives led by Community Liaison Officer Jenny Minnis. Over the past year, project team members have volunteered with Suffolk Scouts to improve facilities at Hallowtree Scout Activity Centre and donated laptops to support outdoor first aid training. They also regularly attend local skills and career fairs and create opportunities for colleagues to give back to communities along the route.