VOLUNTEERS with vertigo need not have applied for a fundraising event aimed more at those with a head for heights.

Forty-two sponsored people climbed the 30ft temporary tower built outside St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton Road, Kenton, on Sunday morning, before abseiling down the other side to cheers from the crowd below.

Leading from the front were the charity’s chief executive, Mike Coward, and director of fundraising and community relations, Pam Russell.

The youngest competitor was Amelia Hazzard, seven, who said: “I did it because I thought it would be fun and I was very excited doing it.”

Mr Coward said: “It was great fun, even if the enthusiasm and agility of the younger climbers made me feel my age.

“I was particular struck by one young lad who couldn’t wait to get his certificate so he could go around collecting all the money he had been promised to support St Luke’s Hospice. Thank you to all who took part.”

Participants had all sorts of motivations for conquering the towering wall while being assisted and coaxed on by an expert team.

One abseiler, Sarah Rowlands, 28, a buyer’s assistant, said: “After my grandfather passed away at St Luke’s Hospice last month, I knew I had to do something to raise money for the hospice in order to say thank you for the care they gave him in his last few weeks.

“I was excited on my way to the event ,but seeing the climbing wall made me nervous.

“During the climb, I was extremely scared and the fear of heights really kicked in. But the best way to raise money is facing your fears.”

The event raised more than £7,300 for the hospice.