KELLY Jo Lovell and Nicola Budd of the Friends of Potters Gate School went above and beyond the call of duty last weekend, when they both stepped off a high ledge on the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and abseiled down the side of the building.

Kelly had never done an abseil before and was daunted by the height of the tower being her first ever abseil. The supporters were all very impressed when she stepped off the ledge to hang suspended by the rope.

Nicola meanwhile had been hanging kneeling on the side of the building for a good five minutes while the Spinnaker team got Kelly ready to go. The reason for this feat of bravery was to raise money to purchase a 3D printer for the new art and design studio.

Both ladies felt strongly that it was important for our older pupils especially to have access to the latest equipment, to fully prepare them for the challenges of secondary school and provide engaging and stimulating learning while at Potters Gate.

The challenge was to raise £500 and the ladies were thrilled to receive more than £900 in donations through their Just Giving page. This means that additional equipment can also be purchased.

Kelly said: “The parents and pupils of Potters Gate School have been very generous to support us with our fundraising along with our friends and families. We had many supporters on the day. It was just too frightening to look down at them and give them a wave but I’m glad Nicola encouraged me along the way.”

If anyone would like to add to their total and support the arts curriculum, donations can be made through, http://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Friends-Potters-Gate.