Daredevils show their head for heights

Scores of abseilers from south Kent braved a death-defying drop to raise funds for charity.

Thirty charities and good causes from across the county will receive a slice of the £21,000 raised at the event, which was staged by the KM Charity Team as part of its support for the charitable sector.

Abseilers from Ashford and Tenterden supported a number of causes including Hydro Hounds, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Porchlight, More Than Words Charity, Clic Sargent, Little Angels and the Kentish Express Charity of the Year, East Kent Hospitals Trust.

The highest individual fundraiser was Lorna Woodage who raised £700 for Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for the Disabled.

Simon Dolby, from the KM Charity Team, created a video news report at the event.

He said: “This is always an emotional event to be involved with. There are occasional pros who bounce down the wall at speed, but for most people stepping over the edge is a huge deal.

“The joy and relief at having completed such a personal challenge, tied to the fact participants are usually raising funds for a cause that really matters to them, creates a powerful mix of emotions.”

Event partners i ncluded Wilkins Kennedy accountants, Housing and Care 21, Maidstone Scaffolding and Over the Edge Adventures.

The event took place at the Housing and Care 21 property at Thomas Place, Maidstone.

To view the video news report visit KentOnline.co.uk and click on the Charity link or visit www. kmcharityteam.co.uk.

The next KM Charity Challenge events include the KM Colour Run, KM Big Bike Ride, KM Charity Walk, KM Assault Course Challenge, Cornwallis It’s a Knockout Challenge and another abseil challenge due to be staged in November.

To find out more visit www. kmcharitychallenge.co.uk

FM4713864/FM4713891 Left, Helen Comber, from Biddenden, supporting Harmony Therapy Trust and Claire Wilkin, right, from Canterbury, supporting East Kent Hospital Trust

FM4713884 Supporting Motor Neurone Disease Association from the roof of Thomas Place, Whatman Way, Maidstone

FM4713898/FM4713858 Left, Frances Morris, from Ashford, supporting East Kent Hospital and Terry Coleman from Canterbury, helping Hydro Hounds Tenterden

Picture: Martin Apps FM4713848 Charles Shaw supported Hydro Hounds

FM4713901 Lisa Dennis, from Ashford, was supporting the East Kent Hospital Trust

FM4713697 Abseilers are briefed before the KM Abseil Challenge