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Jun 2024
96-year-old abseils down Harrogate church for charity
A fundraising event was held at Holy Trinity church in Dacre Banks, Harrogate, this weekend which saw Dacre Banks congregation absiling down their church.
On Sunday June 9, 24 people including a 96-year-old and the Vicar of Dacre Banks abseiled the fifty foot church tower.
Revd Alastair Ferneley, 96-year-old Dr Leonard Barrett and the other 22 volunteers aged between 10 and 96 abseiled down the outside of the church tower with the help of instructors from How Stean Gorge.
The event was to raise funds for the internal redecoration of Holy Trinity church and the restoration of the tower clock-face. The church hasn't been redecorated since it was restored after a major fire in 1991.
Revd Alastair said:
Several of us had signed up and been sponsored by friends and family for the event and then we opened it up, for a donation, to anyone who wanted to have a go. I was a bit concerned when Leonard said he wanted to have a go.
Though I'm a mountain walker, and not bothered by heights, I wasn't that keen myself. It's quite a climb to the top inside, involving narrow stairs and ladders, past the bell and shuffling yourself over the edge and trusting to the rope is not something even the young and fit find themselves able to do.
The church held a similar event in 2022 and due to its popularity, they decided to do it again. Revd Alistair added they might do it again in the next few years.
The church are still collecting donations and sponsorship. If anyone would like to donate either contact Revd Alastair at irreverend@btinternet.com or click here.
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