Thursday 13 September 2012

Mark Hatt-Cook, a consultant to West Country and London firm Wilsons Solicitors, was among the participants in the abseil descent of Europe's tallest building, The Shard, last week. Hatt-Cook, 69, has been with the firm for 40 years - but is also a former commanding officer of Royal Marines (City of London) and now the unit's honorary colonel.

He said he had no qualms about tackling the 309-metre building: 'We were trained by an exceptionally professional team of mountaineers. The young man who descended after me had lost both his legs in Afghanistan, which was tremendously humbling.'

Among the beneficiaries of the £12,500 raised by Hatt-Cook will be 70 youngsters in Southwark who will receive places on Outward Bound courses. For more details go to Just Giving.