PRESS RELEASE: I’m a litigation partner…. Get me out of here!

A taste of a reality TV show that has raised millions for Australian charities, proved to be a life-changing experience for a risk adverse litigation lawyer.

Sharon Levy, who established The Haven– Nepean Women’s Shelter in Western Sydney for victims of domestic violence, is one of the participants in the most recent season of “socially conscious” Channel 7 TV travel show, Adventure All Stars which raises funds for charities.

A partner at Bartier Perry, Sharon described the show as a “fundraiser on steroids” with participants taking part in a week-long range of activities and challenges from mud runs to surfing.

“I got cold feet pretty much immediately as filming started, because for six days you don’t know where you’re going, what you’re doing or what will be happening,” she said. “It’s not something that me and my risk adverse, must be in control, lawyer brain was comfortable with.”

It was the parachute jump that got her though.

“I don’t have a fear of heights. I have a fear of falling to my death from the sky,” said Sharon. “I was crying on the way up and pretty much a good part of the way down.”

Covid had halted fundraising efforts for The Haven and its umbrella organisation, Women’s Community Shelters, so the $160,000 Ms Levy and the Group raised was invaluable to support the shelter network.

“That includes some really generous donations from colleagues and Bartier Perry which will make a big difference in helping protect victims of domestic violence,” she said.

“Raising awareness and funds For the Haven were the reasons I participated in the show but stepping outside my comfort zone really made me realise what I was capable of and that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.”

That said Ms Levy said she wouldn’t be applying for the cast of Survivor anytime soon but has been asked to return and appear on Adventure All Stars: The Legends Series, which is set so start filming in early 2023.

Adventure All Stars has raised millions of dollars to support a record 31 Australian charities.

You can see Sharon (and a fairly mean rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer” while jet- boating) on the 7Plus Outdoor Channel, Monday November 21st at 8pm.

You can donate towards Sharon’s fundraising for the Haven here.