Fundraisers abseil Grimsby Dock Tower for charity (video)

HARDY fundraisers – including a daring 73-year-old – abseiled Grimsby Dock Tower in aid of St Andrew's Hospice.

Ian Douglas, Lynsey Tinch and Janet Clarke were all taking on the daunting challenge for the first time.

Between them the trio raised about £1,000 for the charity, which provides care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Also abseiling down the iconic 300ft landmark were fundraisers for Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe and St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln.

After climbing the 400-step spiral staircase to the top of the tower, the daredevils were rewarded with stunning views across the Humber and North East Lincolnshire, before being attached to a rope ready for their descent.

Janet, 73, of Waltham, said: "I always wanted to see the view from the top and I thought I might as well do it for charity. The view is lovely. You can see a long way.

"Coming over the top was the most difficult bit because there's no where to put your feet, but I wasn't nervous at all.

"I took my time coming down because I was enjoying the view. I didn't want it to end.

"I signed up to do it two weeks ago and I have been so excited about it ever since. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time and I would recommend it to anyone."

Lynsey, of Cleethorpes, took part to say thank you to the hospice for looking after a family friend who recently passed away.

It was the second charity abseil she has done – and by far the biggest.

She said: "I did one down the Derby University building for Save The Children when I was a student. That was about half the height of the dock tower.

"Coming over the edge is tricky, but it's nice to have such good views of the area and it's such an iconic building. It was a really nice experience and the other people who did it were great fun. It's just a shame that the sun wasn't shining."

Ian, 30, of Old Clee, said the experience was both daunting and enjoyable.

"It's the first time I have abseiled anything. I saw an advert and thought that looks interesting, I might as well give it a go. It's for a good cause so it was a win-win.

"It was really enjoyable but a bit nerve-wracking. I did have a look down, but it's a bit daunting when you are holding onto a rope, but the view from the top was good."

Angela Greenfield, from St Andrew's Hospice, said: "It's the first time we have been involved in a dock tower abseil, but we are already thinking about doing it again next year."

Chris Fox, from St Barnabas Hospice, said: "I was here for the first fundraising abseil about 15 years ago and have wanted to come back ever since because it is such a fantastic landmark.

"This is our first cross-hospice event and we are hoping to work together again in the future."