Bognor's Games gold medal star conquers biggest fear

Sara Trott and Mike Goody are raising money for local charity Canine Partners

Mike spent seven years flying across the globe with the Royal Air Force and has won eight gold medals at the games – but he has always been afraid of heights.

Together with girlfriend Sara Trott the pair, from Bognor Regis, took on Britain’s highest freefall abseil.

They completed the nerve-jaggling challenge from the top of the 114.5-metre ArcelorMittal Orbit which towers above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Mike, 32, said: “The abseil was absolutely fantastic and a unique experience to raise money for Canine Partners.

“I was alright until I looked down at the sea of purple shirts cheering us on below.

“I was hoping I could give Sara support but I didn’t manage to give her as much as I had hoped.

“I wanted to do it despite my fear of heights because I believe you have to challenge yourself in life.”

The couple joined more than 50 people who have helped raise more than £40,000 for charity Canine Partners, where Sara works training assistance dogs for disabled people.

Sara, 25, who is also afraid of heights, added: “The abseil was awesome. “The first bit, when we went off the side was a bit scary but it was really good and it was great to do something like this together.

The cash will go towards the purchase and training of two puppies and pay for them to be matched to someone on the charity’s waiting list and supported throughout their working lives.

Mike served as an Aircraftsman until he lost his leg in 2008 after he was hit by a homemade bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Since then he has gone on to win a host of sporting awards including four gold medals for swimming in the Invictus Games in Florida in 2016 and in London’s Olympic Park in 2014.

To donate to the pair visit justgiving.com/fundraising/saraandmikeabseil

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