AN abseil in aid of a Chard church is set to go ahead after an appeal for help in the News was answered.

Chard Mayor Jenny Kenton and the vicar of St Mary’s Church, the Rev Sue Tucker, asked for someone trained in running abseil events in order to comply with strict health and safety laws.

Money raised would go to a £125,000 project to fix the south side of the roof at St Mary’s.

Andy Sparrow, of Cave-Climb.com will run the abseil, pending a quick safety test at the church tower, and it is hoped the weather will hold off so other events can be held to turn it into a family day out on Saturday, April 19, from 2pm.

The Rev Tucker told the News: “Andy has to do a site visit, but we’re confident it’s safe and it’s all becoming a reality now.

“We’re asking people to be sponsored and take part in the abseil, too, or they can have a go for themselves on the day.”

Mrs Kenton and the Rev Tucker will take on the abseil first, followed by people who are sponsored at £20 or more, and then anyone can pay £20 on the day to give it a go.

It is also hoped that a raffle, cream teas and an Easter egg hunt will take place on the day. 

The congregation at the church has been fundraising for roof repairs for several years, and after a number of grants, including £83,000 from the English Heritage Lottery Fund, the church still needs to raise about £10,000 to £15,000.

Mrs Kenton, who admits to not being a fan of heights, said: “It isn’t something I want to do, but I’m willing to do it for the church roof.”

If you would like more information about the abseil or the church roof repairs you can call the Rev Tucker on 01460-261897.