Young fundraiser Albie Lavallee and his family have been invited for a rare private visit to The Shard by two of its occupiers, after the six-year-old climbed the equivalent height of the London landmark three times to raise money and awareness for autism.
Albie, from Charlton Kings in Cheltenham, is autistic and has a speech delay. During Autism Awareness Month in April, he took on the challenge at his local climbing facility, 270 Climbing in Gloucestershire, repeatedly scaling the wall to match the 310-metre height of The Shard, the UK’s tallest skyscraper.
The challenge was inspired by Albie’s love of climbing, which his mum Corrie described as his “happy place”, saying it gives him confidence and allows him to be himself.
Starting with a target of just eight climbs per session, Albie quickly surpassed expectations, typically climbing 10 to 12 walls each time he went. Over the course of the month, he completed a total of 930 metres, the same as scaling The Shard three times. He originally aimed to raise £500 for the National Autistic Society but has already surpassed £1,500 in donations.
In recognition of his achievement, The View from The Shard invited Albie and his family, including his mum, dad and one-year-old brother, for a rare private experience at one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. The visit included exclusive access to the viewing platform, which offers panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles across the capital and beyond.
Albie was also treated to the famous Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard on Level 31, featuring a menu inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, including the Lost Boy Sandwich, Neverland Lagoon confit salmon and Tinkerbell’s Tart, a cookie dough and raspberry tartlet.
Albie’s mum, Corrie, said: “We wanted to raise awareness of autism in a way that means a lot to us and Albie, and the height of The Shard felt like the perfect challenge. Albie was thrilled when he found out he’d been invited to visit, especially when he realised he wouldn’t actually have to climb it himself! Climbing is his happy place it gives him confidence, joy and a real sense of achievement – we are so proud of what he has achieved.”
As a lasting memento, The Shard presented Albie with a commemorative coin, to mark his achievement and special day.
Dan Fulbrook, Real Estate Management (UK) Limited, commented: “The Shard is proud to celebrate extraordinary stories like Albie’s. His determination, resilience and fundraising success have been remarkable, and we were delighted to welcome him and his family for this special visit.”
