TEAMS from Frome have helped fundraise for the SOS Africa Children’s Charity, by completing the Cranmore Tower Abseil.
Daredevil participants abseiled down the 148ft tower to raise money for the charity, which is raising funds to build a new school in the north-west province of South Africa.
‘The Cheesy Cheetahs’, ‘The Madagascars’, ‘Team Jomo’ from Frome Fire Station, and Paul Bishop (Wainwrights) from Frome all took part in the challenge and collectively raised over £1,613 for the charity.
The Cheesy Cheetahs (pictured) also took the award for ‘best dressed’ thanks to their cheetah costumes (pictured).
The Frome teams were among 160 fundraisers from 24 different teams, in a challenge that raised £13,000 in total.
The funds raised will be invested in the development of SOS Africa’s Aftercare Centre, a project which will be the main focus of the charity from the outset of 2013. The aftercare programme plays a vital role in the educational development of the SOS Africa Children. Once established, the new centre could also serve the community in other ways, such as through the provision of adult education.
Matt Crowcombe, SOS Africa co-founder, said, “SOS Africa’s Cranmore Tower Abseil has been the charity’s most successful fundraiser to date, not just because of the incredible amount of funds raised, but also because of the overwhelming generosity and support shown by the local community.
“We are already planning next year’s main fundraising event, a terrifying 150m zip-wire challenge from the top of Cranmore Tower and have already had a huge amount of interest. We would like to welcome anyone from the local community who wishes to get involved.”