Abseil to boost disabled access at Telford church

It is usually a solemn place of worship – but daredevils took to the tower of St Michael's Church in Madeley to raise more than £2,000.

More than 20 people abseiled down the side of the church, which dates back to 1796, to raise funds for bringing in disabled access at the building and a number of other charities.

About £1,000 will go towards the new disabled access at the church, while a similar amount was raised for a number of charities including the Alzheimer's Society, which was nominated to benefit by the abseilers.

The idea came from Hilary Rounsley, a member of the congregation, who was at the top of the church, looked down, and being a climber, thought it would be nice to abseil down.

It was the first time the event had been held at the church, but it is now hoped it will become an annual fundraising event. One of the abseilers to take part was the Reverend Matthew Lefroy's daughter, Rachel.

A church has stood on the site since Norman times and the existing octagonal church was designed by Thomas Telford.

Mr Lefroy, vicar at the church, said: "Hilary thought it would be nice for her family to abseil down the church, then realised it would be a great way of raising some money for the church and other charities.

"The money will go a long way towards giving us the disabled access we need and we appreciate the effort everyone went to, to raise the money."

He added: "It's been so successful we're definitely planning to do it again, although we're not quite sure when yet."