London skyscraper challenge undertaken by Bury dad

Dean Zweck finished the world’s first skyscraper challenge in 8mins 38secs, climbing 42 flights and 1200 steps to raise money for a cause close to his family’s heart.

He raised almost £1,000 after scaling one of the tallest buildings in London for the pregnancy baby loss charity, Tommy’s.

The challenge, which took place this month, involved a gruelling dash up The Cheesegrater building, also known as the Leadenhall Building, followed by a 200-metre abseil down.

Dean said: “Unfortunately due to the 'weather' the abseil was cancelled for 60 per cent of the participants including myself.

“Although a huge personal disappointment, I wasn’t doing this for myself, I was doing this to support Tommy's and the amazing work they do and I am so pleased to have raised what I’ve done so far.

“It will fund crucial research into why so many babies don’t survive pregnancy”.

Dean and his wife underwent multiple rounds of IVF until they were successful.

He said the birth of their son, Elliott, now three-and-a-half years old, “transformed” the couple’s lives “immeasurably”.

He added that although they finally got their fairytale ending, he is painfully aware that not everyone will, motivating him to share his story by participating in the challenge to spread a message of hope.

He said: “I had been training for the tower run so I was well prepared for the journey up.

“On September 5, I took part in a challenge to keep a stair climber moving for 16 hours straight, over 4600 floors, which is higher than Everest.

“It wasn’t my best idea to do that so close to the actual skyscraper challenge and although lots of people came to help out and hop on the climber, my legs were still feeling it on the day of the fundraiser.”

So far, Dean has raised £835 of his £1,000 target. 

To donate and find out more see here.