The Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Rt Rev Robert Paterson has lent his support to Age Concern Isle of Man’s Leap of Faith fundraising event. He was one of more than 70 intrepid men and women who abseiled down a section of cliff face at Maughold Head raising, so far, in excess of ?7000. Teams from a number of local companies and organisations were among the entrants, including Abacus, Alliance and Leicester International, Ambitions, Appleby, Barclays Wealth, Brash, Cosmetic Medical Centre, the Department of Health, G4S, Harding Lewis, IFG, Kestrel Insurance, Simcocks, SMP Partners, the Sovereign Group and the Age Concern Isle of Man ‘stunt’ team. The event was co-ordinated and supervised by the Venture Centre in Maughold where the participants met for, appropriately, rock cakes and coffee, before being put through their paces on the training wall supervised by the centre’s team then transported to what is considered one of the most challenging and exhilarating abseil sites in the Island. The Bishop said: ‘It was a great experience, never having done that before. I suppose I should not have left it so long! There was an odd moment half way down when the cliff face receded and my legs wouldn't reach it. I imagined myself twirling round there for some time. The climb back up was rather more physically demanding!’ Community Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK lent his support at the Venture Centre, although he was unable to take part in the abseil. Mr Cretney said: ‘I really enjoyed the experience at the Venture Centre on Saturday and will be back! Age Concern Isle of Man is a great organisation doing lots of good work for those of us over 50 and I am delighted to be able to help them in a small way.’ The charity’s chief executive George Quayle said: ‘I congratulate everyone who gave up part of their weekend to support us by participating in what was one of our most ambitious fundraising events to date and I extend a very special thanks to the Bishop for taking time out of his busy schedule and entering into the spirit of the occasion wholeheartedly. It is, therefore, perhaps no coincidence that we were blessed with fine weather on both days. ‘We’re also indebted to the Venture Centre for ensuring the event went smoothly and safely. Without their professionalism and expertise we would, quite literally, never have been able to get this event off the ground. I believe it’s fair to say that after this, there can be no doubt that when it comes to fundraising inventiveness Age Concern Isle of Man is reaching new heights.’ Ends