Arundel Castle’s towering abseil challenge

Child bereavement charity Winston’s Wish is organising its Enchanted Abseil down Arundel Castle’s 184ft Bakehouse Tower, on Saturday, March 23.

The fund-raising rappel is open to anyone over the age of 13, with various abseils taking place throughout the day, between 9am and 4pm.

Those wishing to brave the descent need to raise at least £150 in sponsorship.

Richard Lucas, a retained firefighter from Arundel fire station, in Ford Road, is one of those who has already put his name on the list.

He will be taking part alongside fellow crewmen Nathaniel Slade and Matt Gell.

Richard said: “Thankfully, we’ve no personal connection with the work of the charity, but as Matt and myself have become dads in the last year, as well as firefighters, we have a better appreciation now of the value of the work the charity does.”

Kerri Harrison is another one of those set to take part in the fund-raiser. She said she was doing it for her best friend, who died in September, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter and husband.

Kerri, who lives in Bognor, said: “Her family decided after her death that they wanted to support Winston’s Wish and help bereaved children who haven’t got the support of a loving family to take care of them after losing a parent.”

Louise Brown, community and events fund-raiser for the charity, said: “We are looking forward to this exciting event and with your support we can help bereaved children and young people to tackle their fears of an uncertain future as they learn to live with their grief. Every penny raised will go towards the vital work that we do with bereaved children, young people and their families. You are guaranteed to have an experience you’ll never forget and a story to remember.”

To join the fun, see www.winstonswish.org.uk/EnchantedAbseil or call 01403 211030.