Amazing, terrifying, thrilling, and exhilarating, were just some of the words used to describe today’s fundraising event. Eleven leaders, parents of young people and supporters showed how scouting can provide an adventure for adults as well as young people as they took part in the BALTIC Zip Wire event today.

It was a sunny Saturday morning (thankfully after Thursday's rain). After meeting outside the BALTIC, everyone was harnessed up and kitted out, before nervously climbing to the top of the Baltic Flour Mill. Next came the really scary bit, taking turns to sit on the edge and letting go to start the challenge.

The zip wire was truly spectacular taking just 20 seconds to fly from the 140 foot building, over the Tyne, to the Quayside below. To put it into perspective, that’s nearly 4 times the height of Moor House’s climbing wall or the height of 10 double-decker buses stacked one on top of the other. On the way down, the zip wire hits speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour.

Participants have been working hard to gain sponsorship and collectively it looks like they've raised around £1,500 which is a massive total. We're hugely grateful to everyone who participated, our thanks go to Gemma Thubron, Nicola Fell, Janet Long, Kate Bowdon, Joe Martin, Steven Miller, Gemma Straker, Mark Speer, Emma Dawson, Scott Ormston and Mark Simpson as well as everyone who gave up their Saturday morning to support at on the Newcastle Quayside. There’s still time to sponsor us, please email web@3rdwashingtonscouts.org.uk and we will contact you.

Our thanks also go to Camille Laxton for her support with the raffle which has helped us to raise such a fantastic amount. Congratulations to Gemma who won the Bear Grylls signed Olympic gold necker.

The biggest success of the event was the way it brought adults from across the group and involved adults who've never supported scouting before. We’re already talking about doing it again next year. If you're inspired by our photos and the story of the event please contact web@3rdwashingtonscouts.org.uk and the group will contact you when we start to plan.

Fundraising for the group is just one of the ways you can volunteer flexibly at 3rd Washington Scouts, if you have some time to spare, no matter how small, contact us about volunteering or find out more about at www.hls-scouts.org.uk/volunteer and help support the group to provide adventure to young people in the North and West of Washington.