17.06.2005

60ft high squatter

Housing worker Jim Morris, from the Walsall Housing Group, recently spent three days living in a 60ft articulated platform belonging to Nationwide Access, in order to raise money for the Birmingham charity, Rosie’s Helping Hands.

The charity supports local youth projects and was set up in memory of Rosie Ross, who was stabbed by a paranoid schizophrenic while sunbathing in Birmingham’s Centenary Square in 2001.
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Jim Morris spent three days in a Genie Z60/34 owned by Nationwide Access

Jim’s sleep over took place at The Poachers Pocket pub in Walsall Wood at the end of May as part of a charity festival featuring local bands. He spent three days and three nights in the access platform coping with sun, wind and pouring rain to raise the money.

In total he raised over £1,600.

Jim said: “My uncle once spent six weeks living in a barrel for charity so I thought living on an access platform would be a fitting way to remember him. It wasn’t the most comfortable experience as I am 6ft 2, but I was proud to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

“The people at Nationwide Access were extremely helpful and provided me with all the necessary health and safety training and donated the use of the equipment free of charge.”

Jim’s stunt received massive support locally and he received a rapturous welcome when he disembarked from the platform at the end of the three days. He was met by the parents of Rosie Ross, who set up Rosie’s Helping Hands in April 2003. The charity has already raised £100,000, which has been donated to a variety of children’s and youth projects in the West Midlands as well as to local hospitals.