ONE OF the UK’s largest children’s charities is urging city residents to face their fear next month by abseiling down Coventry Cathedral.
As part of a nationwide event, Barnardo’s charity is marking its 150th anniversary by encouraging daredevil abseilers to descend from the flat roof on Saturday (September 24) between 9am and 4pm.
The charity works to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children living in the UK, and organisers are hopeful the Abseil Challenge can raise £100,000 for the cause.
One hundred places have been made available for the challenge, and among those taking part will be Barnardo’s Midlands and South West children’s service director Hugh Sherriffe.
Hugh said: “Imagine standing on a rooftop looking out over the impressive Coventry skyline and the breath-taking West Midlands countryside beyond.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience – leaning back, hearing the wind, taking the strain and feeling the rush will be special.”
Hugh will be joined by Barnardo’s children’s services manager Susan Parkes and a team of ten other colleagues from the charity’s domestic abuse project in the city.
Hugh added: “For 150 years, Barnardo’s has been helping vulnerable children to overcome huge challenges including abuse, neglect or exploitation.
“By taking on our Abseil Challenge, fundraisers will be offering support to young people across the country.”
Participants are asked to raise at least £150 for Barnardo’s with the support of the charity’s events team.
Of those taking part will be Sue and Amy Barnes, Lauren Taylor, Lisa Standley, Jane Nightingale and Jade Wyllie.
If you’d like to face your fear of heights and abseil down Coventry’s most iconic symbol, visit www.barnardos.org.uk/challengeevent or call 0208 498 7091.
