Bridget Rendall's Charity Abseil for the Childrens Hospice South West.wmv

I am a member of the Chulmleigh Friend's of Children's Hospice South West and I love to raise as much money as I can for this very special charity by challenging my fears. 2 years ago I raised over £2000.00 by completing a sponsored tandem skydive.

I have a genuine fear of heights so this was a massive personal challenge, but the generosity of friends, family and local supporters was so overwhelming it had to be done.

Two weeks ago I was navigating around the Hospice website when I came across an abseil and before I knew it I had signed up and was collecting pledges. On Saturday, 7th May, along with my Mum and a very special group of friends, I made my way to the Princesshay car park in Exeter. Before I knew it I had been briefed and was now on my way to the top of the building preparing for the descent. As I stood nervously at the top of the building, fully harnessed,

I began to realise the enormity of the challenge ahead. I put my hands over my face and told them I did not think I could do it! I was distressed and angry with myself for being so defeatist, I just could not grasp the concept that in order to complete this challenge I had to lean backward and go against all my natural instincts. The instructors were brilliant and they were not about to see me throw this challenge away. With their amazing words of encouragement and patience I was taking the first steps over the edge, from then on it was plain SEILING! Having raised over £800 I would like to express my gratitude to friends, family and local supporters for making this another very worthwhile challenge.

I did not begin to write this article to boast about the tandem skydive, but to point out to those who may think having done a tandem skydive surely an abseil must be easier; quite honestly this was not the case for me. Your instructor is in control during a tandem skydive, whereas in abseiling you are the one having to take the steps and make the decisions, this was by far a greater personal challenge. Has it cured my fear of heights?... No!...will I do another extreme challenge for the CHSW?... but of course! by Bridget Rendall

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• abseil
• charity
• bridget rendall
• Little Bridge House
• over the edge

[bridgetrendall1]

Final total raised £900.00. Thank you so much to everyone - Fantastic x

[bridgetrendall1]

Total to date: £858.00, thank you so much everyone. The Children's Hospice South West will be very proud of you all. Bridget Charity Rendall