AN EASTLEIGH woman will be abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower to raise money for an NHS charity.

Arielle Wilkes has raised nearly £1,000 ahead of the challenge on Saturday, June 22. 

She has been supported by local businesses, including Pick n Melt, a popular candle shop.

The store has faced significant challenges following its relocation from Gosport to Eastleigh in October 2023.

The transition was characterised by a series of hurdles and postponements, with the shop finally opening six weeks later than anticipated.

The directors of the store, Helen and Dave, have praised the support from the Eastleigh community. 

They said: "The Town Rangers made us feel really welcome, beyond their professional duties. James came in a lot as a customer too. He really enjoyed the shop buying lots of gifts for friends and family.

"He introduced so many people to our shop including his lovely wife Arielle. It was very heartwarming and of course a positive start to our business being in Eastleigh"

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Pick n Melt has faced challenges since it relocated from Gosport to EastleighArielle is being supported by Pick N Melt (Image: Supplied)

Arielle approached local businesses in Eastleigh to ask if they could donate prizes to a raffle to raise funds. Pick n Melt obliged and donated four of their awesome candles.

Speaking of Arielle's challenge, they said: "We weren’t sure how much she would raise as fundraising is not easy. Abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower is insane and for a great cause too.

"It is clear she is nervous but is determined to not only achieve a personal goal but also to raise money for a great cause. So we offered to double what she raised up to £500. 

"We are not a big business and £500 is a lot of money.

"We never thought we would be handing over the full amount. But not only did Arielle reach her target, she has far surpassed it and now with our donation she is heading towards £1,500, near 300 per cent of her goal. 

“We think Arielle is very brave. She worked really hard in her fund raising and we are really happy it has paid off, for her personal sense of achievement and for the good work that will be done by Brighterway with the funds she has raised."