They're flinging in the rain for charity

That was the case at a village church on Saturday when brave fundraisers took a leap of faith in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice at Lostock Hall.

More than 50 supporters braved the rainy weather to fling themselves 120ft down the side of St John’s Church on the A6 Preston Road in Whittle-le-Woods for a charity abseil to raise money for the hospice.

The charity’s first adrenaline challenge of 2017 – soon to be followed by a skydive on April 15 – saw adventurous supporters don a range of fancy dress outfits, including St Catherine’s chief executive Stephen Greenhalgh as Spiderman.

Hospice fundraiser Emma Jacovelli said: “Despite the rain everyone was in good spirits and were ready to take on the challenge.

“It was great fun and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in or sponsored our abseil.”

Emma added: “Our abseil challenges are really popular and they’ve taken place at various buildings over the years, but we were really excited by this one in particular because the building is so iconic.

“The views from the top are spectacular, and the journey up the spiral staircase, past the large bells in the tower, further adds to the whole experience.

“Our supporters are always willing to take on wild and daring feats for us, and this was one for adrenaline-junkies who may have done an abseil before but never at such a unique venue – or it was ideal for those wanting to brave a new challenge and even face their fears.”

She continued: “Fancy dress was optional.

“The event was great fun which helped raise vital funds for St Catherine’s to continue its specialist care for local people facing life-shortening illnesses.”

Meanwhile, it was also a busy night for the charity’s social enterprise café and community hub, The Mill, based in the hospice grounds of St Catherine’s Park, as visitors enjoyed a St Patrick’s Day Ceilidh with Irish stew, live music and dancing.

Andrea Mortimore, of the folk band Kitty Hawk, said: “After a wonderful plate of Irish stew, Kitty Hawk enjoyed a great night playing at The Mill with dance caller Allison Cook, who certainly made sure the night was in full swing.

“The atmosphere was brilliant.

“It was a really fantastic evening in a wonderful setting.

“Well done to The Mill for raising funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.”

Upcoming events include a sponsored 5.3 mile mobility scooter ride today, from Derian House Children’s Hospice, Astley Village, to St Catherine’s.

The event will involve three supporters covering the distance on mobility scooters.

It starts at 10am and is due to end at 3pm.

To donate and support the hospice to hospice ride, you can visit the JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/Jaqui-Collins2