'˜Supergran' set for abseil

Pensioner Pam, aged 74, is to abseil down Derby Cathedral’s tower – the second highest in the country – on September 10.

Money raised at the event goes to Rainbows, which cares for children across the East Midlands with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

Retired nurse Pam is no stranger to heights, as she completed an abseil from the top of Nottingham’s Council House in 2000.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to the event and I think the most difficult bit will be walking up the stairs.

“Rainbows is an absolutely brilliant cause and it is so worthwhile, it is such a great place.”

Pam, who has five grandchildren and a great grandchild, is hoping to raise more than £200 and says her friends and family have been incredibly supportive in sponsoring her.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support.

“If I can do it, so can a lot of other people. I want as many people to join me and sign up to this fabulous event.”

Paula North, Rainbows community fundraising manager, said: “We would like to thank Pam for signing up to this event.

“We would simply not be able to open the doors of our hospice, if it wasn’t for our fundraisers.

“We still have places available, so I urge any thrill seekers out there to sign up. We promise it will be a lot of fun.”

Last year’s event raised £27,000, which was split between Rainbows and the cathedral.

This year, all funds will be going to Rainbows.

People can abseil between 9am and 8pm. Entry is £20, but children aged under 12 are not permitted to take part.

Rainbows Hospice covers the whole of the East Midlands, providing care and support for the region’s children and young people who need it the most.

It was founded by Gail and Harry Moore, whose daughter, Laura, died of Leukaemia in 1989. Laura’s favourite thing in the world was a rainbow.

n To get involved, call 0800 952 1133, email [email protected] or visit www.rainbows.co.uk/derbyabseil