Phenomenex CEO, Fasha Mahjoor, Survives Jump off the 87th Floor of Skyscraper

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just hours ago, Phenomenex CEO, Fasha Mahjoor, successfully rappelled/abseiled down 87 floors of The Shard in London, Europe’s tallest building, alongside Prince Andrew, HRH Duke of York, and a small group of fellow philanthropists to raise a combined estimated £2,000,000/ $3,167,800 for the educational charity, The Outward Bound Trust. The group has set a world record for the longest rappel/abseil ever completed by civilians.

“I’m speechless! I can’t explain what a thrill it was to stand at the pinnacle of The Shard and look down over a thousand feet of vertical glass to the miniature world below with nothing but a harness, a rope, and faith to help me defy gravity. It was incredible to take that leap, but I must admit that I’m happy to have two feet on the ground once again,” Mahjoor reflected. “This has been a remarkable journey for me, both physically and emotionally. The three weeks leading up to this event I spent raising funds for the charity have been extraordinary. Family, friends, business colleagues and distributors from so many different countries, and even complete strangers, have so generously supported me and The Outward Bound Trust. I am quite humbled.”

The Outward Bound Trust has enabled over one million underprivileged youth to participate in challenging outdoor programs, providing life lessons in responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Mahjoor added, “Ultimately, overcoming my own fears and jumping from the Shard today very much reflects the essence of what this organization is about, and it feels so good to know that what we have done here will afford so many young people the same opportunity to help them overcome their fears and build self-confidence” Through the outdoor education and courses provided by The Outward Bound Trust (and its many global affiliates), young people clearly see, perhaps for the first time, what they are truly capable of achieving.

Mahjoor continued, “I sincerely believe that as business leaders we have a responsibility to give back for betterment of humanity without any geographical restrictions or boundaries. We must think beyond the confines of our companies and self-imposed bottom lines so we may continue to grow our commitments to the community and the world at large. And what better place to start than with our youth! I am truly honoured and inspired to have been a part of this event.”

When asked if he would do it all over again, Mahjoor replied, “Next time let’s try 187 floors!”

To sponsor Fasha's descent and support his fundraising efforts, please visit www.mahjoor4charity.com. Donations will be accepted thru September 28^th, 2012. 100% of donations will fund bursaries/scholarships for young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to attend an Outward Bound® program.

Fasha Mahjoor is an architect, businessman, philanthropist, visionary, and founder and CEO of the Phenomenex Companies.

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, clinical, government and academic laboratories. From drug discovery and pharmaceutical development to disease diagnosis, food safety and environmental analysis, Phenomenex chromatography solutions accelerate science and help researchers improve global health and well-being. For more information on Phenomenex, visit www.phenomenex.com

The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity and a leading provider of financially-assisted outdoor learning. It aims to help young people realize their potential through learning in the wild, and creates a supportive and challenging environment in which young people can learn about themselves, become more self-confident, skilled and disciplined. Supporting The Outward Bound Trust will enable a new generation of young people to undertake their own character-defining challenges.