If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for someone with a sense of adventure then a charity could have just what you are looking for with a chance to abseil from the top of the 105-foot high Point of Ayre Lighthouse. The challenge, organised to raise funds for The Children’s Centre, will take place on April 13 next year, but the charity is selling gift vouchers now for £99 for anyone who wants to book a place for someone as a Christmas present. All funds raised will go towards The Children’s Centre’s work with families and children across the Island.

The abseil will see participants descend from the top of the lighthouse after receiving expert instruction and training from The Children’s Centre’s MOBEX outdoor pursuits team. Permission for the event has been granted by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The Children’s Centre has organised several abseil events in recent years to raise funds - in 2010 from the top of the RBS International building in Douglas, and in 2012 an indoor abseil at The Strand shopping centre. But Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, says the Point of Ayre abseil will be the most spectacular yet. He said:

“It’s a stunning location and we’re extremely grateful to the Northern Lighthouse Board for allowing us to use such an iconic building. The view from the top is awesome and it’s bound to appeal to anyone with a sense of adventure, or who just wants to experience abseiling for the first time. Gift vouchers are available for anyone who wants to book an abseil place for a friend or relative and give it as a Christmas present.”

There is no age limit for taking part, but anyone under the age of 16 will need parental consent. Places are limited to 100 participants. If you want to buy a gift voucher for the abseil, or sign up for the event yourself, visit http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im or call on 676076 or email fundraising@thechildrenscentre.org.im