'I'll never forget it' - Meet the Yorkshirewoman who abseiled down 900ft down the Empire State Building

It was a feat of bravery that left Yorkshire woman Katie Cross stunned. She abseiled 900ft down the landmark Empire State Building in New York watched by Princess Beatrice and showbusiness stars Jared Leto and Jodie Turner-Smith.

She was among 20 brave Outward Bound supporters who took part in the event.

The event – the first of its kind – raised funds for Outward Bound in the UK and other Outward Bound partners around the world. Participants' total donations so far exceed £2.4m.

She has previously undertaken expeditions with Outward Bound trustee David Hempleman-Adams, including one to the Arctic and she is a keen supporter of the charity. Katie said: “An amazing challenge for an incredible charity, I can’t believe I’ve done it!

"Abseiling through the clouds to then see New York beneath you was something I’ll never forget, it was truly inspiring.

"I’m over the moon to have done this with Outward Bound, and can’t wait to learn the final sum that we’ve raised together with the other abseilers.”

Princess Beatrice was amazed by the event.

She said: “Bringing young people out of their comfort zones and supporting them to achieve something they never thought possible is what Outward Bound is all about.

"I am so happy to offer my support as a Trustee and I am a great admirer of Outward Bound and all they stand for - these participants really are an inspiration.”

Leto and Turner-Smith kicked off the event called the Big Rappel, which spans nearly 900 feet from the building’s famous spire down to the 30th floor.

Leto said: “Recently, I climbed up the fin of the Empire State Building to announce Thirty Seconds to Mars’ world tour and now as the tour begins, I’m excited to head the opposite direction and rappel down to shine a light on the incredible work of Outward Bound.

“I’ve always admired Outward Bound and how they inspire people around the globe to transform their lives through adventure, challenge, experience, and discovery.”

Outward Bound is a worldwide educational and charitable network whose mission is to change young people’s lives through challenge, learning, and adventure.

Martin Davidson, Outward Bound CEO, said: “It is awesome to put on this event at the Empire State Building. Outward Bound has been supporting young people to push through and challenge themselves for the last 85 years, and the participants of the Big Rappel will be showing that appetite for adventure in abundance!

“In the UK, Outward Bound inspires thousands of young people every year to achieve something they never thought possible by taking them from inner-city environments into our national parks where they experience the extraordinary and learn what they are truly capable of.

It’s so great to see the rappelers in action – they really are an inspiration!”