Town Hall abseil raises vital funds

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 07/07/2008

Anyone in Rochdale town centre yesterday (Sunday 6 July) might have noticed an unusual site as a bunch of daredevil fundraisers clambered down the Town Hall clock to raise money for Rochdale charities.

Members of Rochdale Round Table and some of their supporters braved the 150ft drop from the clock face to the ground to raise vital funds.

Last year's Mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, also took part to raise money for his chosen charity, the Moorland Home.

Councillor Evans said: "As a pensioner nearing his 69th Birthday this was an achievement that many expected me not to do. It was made easy by the excellent mountain rescue team and the locally designed equipment. This equipment has world wide acclaim and after Sunday I know why!"

Rochdale Hospice, Rochdale Childer and the Rochdale Music Service were among the other causes that benefitted from sponsorship money for those that completed the hair raising abseil.

Each climber raised a minimum of £250 to take part in the challenge and by the end of the day the amount raised was thought to be in the region of £4,000.