Avnish Goyal, chair of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, became one of the first people to ever abseil down the Empire State Building as part of a fundraising event this week.

Goyal, who also founded charities the Hallmark Foundation and the Goyal Foundation, was one of 20 fundraisers to take part in the Big Rappel event which aims to raise funds for education and charitable network Outward Bound.

The group, which included actor and musician Jared Leto, abseiled nearly 900 feet from the building’s iconic spire down to the 30^th floor.  The event was supported by Outward Bound trustee Princess Beatrice, and donations so far exceed £2.4 million.

Goyal is raising funds for Outward Bound, which the Goyal Foundation has long supported, and for the charity’s new partnership with the Foundation’s Inner Spark programme, which will bring free outdoor experiences to young people on school sites from this autumn.

Goyal said: “I did it! One of only a handful of people to ever abseil down one of the world’s most famous buildings the Empire State Building. I started at the 103rd floor leaning backwards to start the abseil at over 1300 feet. What an exhilarating experience expanding my comfort zone to make a difference to so many young people through our workshops with the Outward Bound Trust and Inner Spark.”

Donors can support Avnish Goyal here