Skyscraper run to raise funds for Christchurch

NZ High Commissioner Derek Leask, a performer from Maori kapa haka group Manaia, and Kent Gardner, of investment company Evans Randall at the Gherkin tower. Photo / Supplied

A couple of Kiwi big shots in London's financial district are organising a charity run up the 38 floors of the iconic "Gherkin" skyscraper for the Christchurch earthquake.

Kent Gardner and Paul Kendrick are partners in investment company Evans Randall, which controls more than £4 billion in assets and co-owns the iconic Swiss Re Tower.

Up to 1000 people will climb the 1037 steps to the viewing gallery at the top of the 180m landmark, known as the Gherkin, which is not usually open to the public.

The company and sponsors will boost the fund with a donation of £50,000 for the May 22 event.

John Key will visit the site for Step Up 4 Christchurch when he is in London for the royal wedding.

Mr Gardner, 39, who is from Dunedin, has five siblings in Christchurch.

He had only just returned to London a couple of days before the earthquake after holidaying in New Zealand.

His sister Abby Gardner's house was destroyed by three massive boulders in the suburb of Ferrymead.

Heavily pregnant at the time, Ms Gardner and her partner were luckily holidaying in Hamner at the time.

She gave birth to Heidi - now six weeks old - soon after.

"It was weird, I got up in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep," said Mr Gardner.

"I logged on to my computer and saw what had happened. I texted everyone in my family to see if they were okay. Thankfully they were all physically okay. And for the next three weeks, every morning and every night, I was on the phone to them."

A former accountant with KPMG in Wellington, Paul Kendrick also knew people affected by the earthquake either by the loss of their home or workplace.

The pair met while Mr Gardner was working as a lawyer for Russell McVeagh in Wellington.

Mr Kendrick, who was born in New Plymouth but has lived in the UK for 20 years, joined the company in 1998. He lives in London with his wife Gill and their two children.

Mr Gardner joined in 2002 and lives with his wife Gaye, from Masterton, and their three children.

Mr Gardner said a fast runner would take about five minutes to run up the Gherkin but the climb would take more than 15 minutes for walkers.

"It's a unique opportunity to view thecCity from a magnificent vantage spot - a total 360 degree panoramic view of London which is normally closed to the public.

"Every Kiwi in London will know of someone who has been affected by the earthquake, so please help rebuild the places at the heart of the Christchurch community and support those who have lost."

New Zealand High Commissioner Derek Leask launched the event on Friday.