A charity abseil from the top of the Point of Ayre Lighthouse is proving to be really popular, and anyone who wants to sign up is being urged to do so as soon as possible because spaces are limited. Organisers held a trial run for the event last week [March 15] and had great fun making the 105-foot descent. The charity challenge will be on April 13 and all funds raised will go towards The Children’s Centre’s work with families and children across the Island. Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, was one of the team who took part in the trial run. He said:
“This is the first time an abseil from the top of the lighthouse has been attempted. It was a great experience with a fantastic view from the top. For anyone who has not tried abseiling before it will be a breathtaking experience and one not to be missed. We want to recruit 100 participants to take part and are already well on the way to that target, so I would urge anyone who is thinking about this challenge to get in touch soon. It would be a shame to miss out on such a unique event.”
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. The organisers thank the Northern Lighthouse Board and Peter Astell-Burt, the owner of the cottages and land where the lighthouse is, for kind permission to allow the event to take place. 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 and 2013 an indoor abseil at The Strand shopping centre.
There is no age limit for taking part in the Point of Ayre event, but anyone under the age of 16 will need parental consent. Places are limited to 100 participants who pay a ?30 deposit and pledge to raise ?70 in sponsorship. To sign up visit http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im or call on 676076 or email fundraising@thechildrenscentre.org.im.
Photo - Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, takes part in a trial run for the Point of Ayre Lighthouse charity abseil.
