Barrister taking plunge from bridge for lifeboat charity

Tina Dempster will leave her usual comfort zone of the courtroom behind her for the great outdoors as she and others bid to raise much-needed cash helping to save lives at sea.

A member of KBW chambers in Leeds she was formerly a solicitor and a qualified social worker who transferred to the Bar in 1997 having previously taught Criminal Law and Evidence at the University of Central England, then Birmingham Polytechnic and after that full time at the University of Sheffield.

Married with one son, the last time she abseiled was at school. “I’m hoping that I still have a head for heights,” she said.

Tina, a senior criminal practitioner, responded to a request for participants sent round the North Eastern Circuit. “Gilbert Gray QC who was a much respected counsel on the circuit died last year and this was his favourite charity so it seemed a good idea at the time.”

RNLI Events Manager Lisa Connor said the charity is hoping to raise more than £20,000 from the abseil over the weekend of May 26 and 27.

“Abseiling 110ft from the Humber Bridge roadside down to Hessle foreshore is an experience not to be missed,” she said.

The RNLI had 300 places available with each participant, who must be over 14, asked to raise a minimum of £150 sponsorship. The last abseil from the bridge was several years ago.

“This event can only take place thanks to the Humber Bridge Board, Wheldon Homes and Lovel Developments and we are very grateful to them for giving us this opportunity.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Tina Dempster can do so through www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com.