Abseil for inland water charity (From Ledbury Reporter)

Abseil for inland water charity

3:48pm Wednesday 29th July 2009 in News

TWO friends from Ledbury will brave a 200-feet descent into a quarry tomorrow (Saturday August 1) in an effort to raise funds for an inland water rescue charity.

Marcus Morris, aged 49, and Stewart Alcock, aged 56, both from Ledbury, will abseil onto a floating pontoon at Tidenham Quarry, Chepstow.

The fund-raiser is in aid of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) and will be a doddle for experienced rock-climber Mr Alcock, from Russet Close.

Mr Morris, however, is slightly more apprehensive about the whole situation.

He said: “I did this once before in 2006 for the same people. This will be my second time and I’m still not happy about it. Dangling on a rope is really not my thing.”

They will be making videos of the abseil by strapping mobile phones to their helmets The education and IT consultant, from Hazel Close, is happy to support the work SARA undertake.

“The RNLI cannot come inshore and we know that the River Severn can be treacherous. They’re unpaid volunteers, it is all done from charitable donations and they’re doing a great job,” he added.

The pair can be sponsored at everyclick.com/marcusmorris or by calling into the Prince of Wales or the Retreat, in Ledbury, where sponsorship forms will be located.

Mr Morris, a keen scuba diver, is keen to return to wetter adventure activities after tomorrow’s challenge.

“If he is allowed to take me mountaineering, I can take him scuba diving,” he said.