Cathedral abseil event was not a let down

Charity abseil, at Peterborough Cathedral. Gillian Beasley EMN-160907-175514009

The charity event took place on Friday and Saturday, with more than 240 people taking on the challenge - including acting Bishop of Peterborough the Rt Revd John Holbrook.

He was joined by chief executive of Peterborough City Council Gillian Beasley and Posh mascot Peter Burrow.

All the participants had to climb 160 steps to the top of the tower - before being helped down the other side by Derbyshire Mountain Rescue.

Charity abseil, at Peterborough Cathedral. Canon Bruce Ruddock EMN-160907-175420009

After completing the 150ft challenge Bishop John said: “It is good to be back on solid ground. It was absolutely fabulous.

“I was only able to enjoy the view when I was about half way down, but the people at the top were very good, and told you how to use the ropes etc.

“I have done a bit of abseiling in the past, but never on a building like this.

“Letting go from the scaffolding at the top was difficult, but then it was OK.”

Charity abseil, at Peterborough Cathedral. Stuart Orme EMN-160907-175224009

The money raised from the event will go to the Peterborough 900 campaign, celebrating the 900th anniversary of the cathedral.

Bishop John said: “I volunteered to do it - it is such a good project and cause.”

Mrs Beasley said she had enjoyed the experience - but was also glad to reach the bottom of the tower.

She said: “I must admit I was nervous, especially when I had to lean out over the edge – it looked very high!

Charity abseil, at Peterborough Cathedral. Stuart Orme EMN-160907-175158009

“One of the instructors said that I ‘rocketed’ down, but that was more out of an urge to get back to ground level than bravery.

“It was well worth it though. It was certainly an adrenaline rush and, more importantly, it was for a very good cause, the Peterborough 900.

“Congratulations to the team on its excellent fundraising idea.”

Stuart Orme, head of operations at the cathedral, said he was glad he had taken part, despite his fear of heights.

Abseiling down corner of the Peterborough Cathedral West Front EMN-160907-175129009

He said: “I’m not that keen on heights - I have never done anything like this before.

“The guys at Derbyshire Mountain Rescue were very good at making people feel comfortable in doing it.

“I was fine until I got to the platform.

“When you look at it, it is a long way down. I had to keep looking at the team at the top.

“It is only 45 seconds, but I was concentrating on what I was doing, rather than the view. I think enjoying it would be the wrong word, but I was glad I was able to have the experience.”

A spokeswoman for the cathedral said they hoped to raise £60,000 from the event,

You can still donate by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=StuartOrme