Brave fundraisers have taken a leap of faith from the top of St Asaph Cathedral to celebrate a special local anniversary. The Great Charity Abseil saw volunteers descend 84ft from the building's highest point to mark the centenary of the Rotary Club of Rhyl. Organisers expect the daring event to raise more than £20,000 for various good causes, setting a new record for the 100-year-old club.
Charities set to benefit from the spectacular challenge include St Kentigern, NSPCC, Blossom and Bloom, and the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust.
The Reverend Canon Josh Asquith supported the launch by being the first person to head over the edge of the historic roof. Josh said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to be first 'over the top' and it is a thrilling experience that I will never forget. I have some knowledge of abseiling but this was certainly the most exciting challenge I have ever undertaken. I wish the Rotary Club every success in this remarkable fundraising event."
Many of the participants had never tried abseiling before and had to face their fears to complete the descent. Nurse Tracey Phillips was the second person to make the trip down after climbing more than 100 narrow spiral steps to reach the top. Tracey said: "I have never abseiled as an adult before, and I must confess to feeling some trepidation when climbing more than 100 narrow, spiralling steps to reach the top. However, the professional team from 'GoVertical' soon put my mind at rest when explaining what needed to be done to descend safely. The experience was really fulfilling and I am delighted that our wonderful team of nurses has raised so much money for the Club's charitable causes."
The challenge attracted people of all ages, with 11-year-old Ella Hay from Myddelton College taking part as the youngest volunteer. Ella admitted to being very nervous but also excited, adding: "It was also a lot of fun."
The Mayor of St Asaph, Peter Scott, visited the cathedral to congratulate the club president and the teams on their hard work. Peter Scott said: "We were very sorry to lose our own Rotary Club in St Asaph, so it is a pleasure to welcome Rhyl Rotary Club to our city for such a wonderful and enterprising venture. They have my congratulations, and I wish them all the very best in this remarkable endeavour."
Crowds gathered in the sunshine to cheer on the participants while enjoying refreshments from the cathedral coffee bar. The club was originally formed in 1926 and continues to support the local community through ambitious fundraising ventures. Anyone wishing to learn more about the club can contact Chris Smith on 07713 141079 or via email at Christopher.smith53@btinternet.com.
