Bernard looks for buzz in aid abseil

BERNARD proves that you are never too old to be a bit of a daredevil

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AGE is proving no barrier to a dare devil fundraiser from Chadderton.

At the sprightly age of 79, Bernard Counsell is hoping to inspire others to join him abseiling down the 200ft Bell Tower at The Trafford Centre to raise money for children with life limiting conditions.

The former teacher relishes taking on the challenge of abseils and zip wires for Francis House Children's Hospice.

Bernard was a senior Latin master at Oldham Hulme Grammar School for 37 years, before retiring 20 years ago.

The abseil is an open event and the hospice has been allocated a time slot of 11am to 12pm on Saturday, September 17, however, people can choose to abseil any time on Saturday or also Sunday, September 18.

Bernard said: "If I can jump off buildings and go on Zip Wires at my age then anyone can; I like variety in life.

"I used to enjoy mountain climbing and scrambling, but now I can't manage those, I still want to have an exciting challenge. By doing abseils I can raise money for a charity that does such good work for children and young people.

"I feel I've been fortunate in life and I want to give back and help others."

The abseil is managed by 'eight point two', a challenge event company which has been running the event for several years. Registration for the event is £38 - this covers the cost of all the equipment and instructors. People are asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible for Francis House Children's Hospice.

If you would like to sponsor Bernard, you can give money on his Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bernard-Counsell.

To register phone: 0161 443 2200, or email emma.rapley@francishouse.org.uk.

Francis House Children's Hospice provides respite care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and the necessary support and short-term rest for their families from across the North-West. All services are given completely free and by far the largest part of funding comes through charitable donations.

The major part of the hospice's funding is from donations and this year it will cost £4.2 million to operate the service, with 89p of every pound donated spent directly on the care of children.

For more information on the work of Francis House visit: www.francishouse.org.uk.