AN abseil-outely daring challenge is being organised for Thornbury next month – and it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Members of the public have the opportunity to brave dizzying heights to abseil down the 130 foot bell tower of St. Mary’s Church to raise money for local brain tumour charity Hammer Out.

The challenge takes place on Saturday, March 15 from 10am to 4pm and is open to anyone aged eight and over.

Founder and Chief Executive Tina Mitchell Skinner launched the charity after her husband Paul died of a brain tumour in 2003.

She said: “Our aim is to be there for patients and families from diagnosis onwards, but we cannot do so without the support of our amazing fundraisers. We hope that people will enjoy raising money for us while taking part in an unusual and exciting challenge."

Participants need to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship and pay a fee of £30 in order to take part.

All funds raised will be used to help patients and their families who are facing and coping with a brain tumour diagnosis.

Hammer Out is the South West's only brain tumour charity.

It works across the South West and Midlands and delivers group and one-to-one support, the services of their patient and family support workers and counsellors and practical guidance, emotional support and information on subjects from treatments to coping with bereavement. Its aim is to ensure that no-one faces a brain tumour alone.

The abseil is just one of many exciting fundraising challenges which the charity has organised this year. Others include extreme bungee jumping in April, the longest zip wire in Europe in May, fire walking in July and a skydive in the coming months.

March is designated National Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Hammer Out will also be holding a Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day on March 7 when members of the public, schools, clubs, pubs and workplaces are being asked to show their support for brain tumour patients and their families by wearing a bandana and donating £1 to the charity.

Specially designed bandanas for the event are available to purchase for just £3 each from www.hammerout.co.uk/buy-bandanas or in person from the Hammer Out offices at Midland Way, Thornbury.

The charity is also inviting people to organise bandana-themed fundraising events on the day.

For more information on Hammer Out contact Helen Silverthorn, Hammer Out charity development manager on 01454 414355, email helen@hammerout.co.uk or visit www.hammerout.co.uk.