HELEN LOCKWOOD: Thrill-seekers abseil down Peel Tower in aid of hospice

Cold and rainy weather couldn’t stop a group of determined thrill-seekers from abseiling down Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill, in support of Bury Hospice, on Saturday, June 29.

From ground level looking up, you actually couldn’t see the top of the tower because it was immersed in the clouds, but as the intrepid abseilers reached the summit, the mist cleared and the stunning views of the Greater Manchester cityscape became visible.

Standing at 128ft, the sheer height of the Peel Tower monument can seem overwhelming, however, the courageous abseilers encouraged each other as they took turns to scale the famous Bury landmark.

The fantastic team at Alternative Adventure and Outdoor Activities Services delivered this year’s abseil, keeping all participants safe, answering questions, and allaying any fears.

Members of the abseil group (Image: Bury Hospice)

Team members during the abseil challenge (Image: Bury Hospice)

The event was also supported by our fantastic volunteers, and Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, who were on hand to make sure everything went well.

The atmosphere was great and everyone had a great time.

Participant Kathy Kelly took on the abseil as a way of saying thank you to our wonderful team of nurses.

She said: “It was an amazing experience and all for a fantastic charity, I'm so glad I did it.

“Well done to everyone who took part. Thank you to those from Bury Hospice who organised it and supported us to achieve, and thanks to the guys who helped get us geared up and down the tower safely.

“And a huge thanks to all the supporters who cheered and congratulated everyone who took part, not just their loved ones.”

One of the team members during the challenge (Image: Bury Hospice)

Support also came from corporate organisations Exchange Utilities, Vinci Construction, and the Family Martial Arts Centre in Bury, who all had staff team members descending the tower.

So far, the abseil event has raised approximately £12,000, and this is rising as more donations continue to come it.

One of the team members during the challenge (Image: Bury Hospice)

The abseil team who completed the challenge (Image: Bury Hospice)

All funds raised will go towards providing vital palliative and end-of-life care for patients, as well as supporting their families.

Hospice events fundraiser Dale Mulgrew said: “All registered participants came along in good spirits, creating a lovely and encouraging atmosphere throughout the day.

“We are delighted that quite a few supporters came along and that we raised a lot of money for the hospice.

“Everyone had a great time, and lots of fun was had by all.

“We really value the commitment that everyone showed to the abseil, which in itself is a tremendous feat of bravery.”

All the support shown to the hospice is very much appreciated.

If you would like to pledge to support the abseil event, you can do so by visiting justgiving.com/campaign/peeltower2024.