On Saturday 4th March 2017 60 brave people abseiled down one of the oldest church towers in Essex to help raise monies for Cancer Research UK.
The abseil took place at the historic St Edmunds & St Mary’s Church in Ingatestone which is a fine example of Norman architecture built over 900 years ago. The tower everyone abseiled down was built in the 15th Century!
The weather was perfect for the abseil and many people came along to cheer on their family and friends taking part. In fact, around 10 people who were just passing fancied a go and signed up on the day!
There was also a grand raffle and merchandise stall on the day which helped raise even more monies for the cause.
Early indications suggest the event will raise around £16-£17k.
The Essex Abseil was kindly sponsored by AllClear Travel Insurance who also had 14 staff members take part.
Garry Nelson of AllClear, says the company believes it is important to support local charity events: “This was a great idea, using a local landmark with an exciting and daring challenge to create the required buzz. We were delighted to sponsor the event, and very pleased so many AllClear employees were brave enough to take part, doing their bit to raise more for the charity.”
Lucy Ware, from Essex, who took part with her husband said “I signed up for the abseil some weeks ago, but it wasn’t until I woke up on Saturday morning that it dawned on me that I was going to descend down a 80ft tower! The most frightening part was having to step backwards off the ledge. However, once I’d done that, it was great fun and I’m delighted to hear that the event has raised so much for Cancer Research UK.”
Darren Couchman, Local Fundraising Manager for Cancer Research UK said, “It was a fantastic day, it couldn’t have gone any better. The weather was perfect, lots of people came along to cheer their loved ones on and the atmosphere was electric. We are truly grateful to the 60 brave people who took on the abseil. I could never do it so I have the utmost respect for those who did it. To have raised such a huge amount is amazing, I can’t thank everyone enough who helped make the day a huge success. Special thanks also to AllClear Travel Insurance who sponsored the event. Their generosity means more monies will now go directly to our life saving research. We are very lucky we have so many fantastic local volunteers and fundraisers who supported the event. Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.”
For more information about the Essex Abseil and Cancer Research UK please contact Darren on 07501 464611 or Darren.couchman@cancer.org.uk