Cathedral abseilers raises £50k for charities

More than 100 volunteers abseiled down Coventry Cathedral raising money for 21 local charities

A total of 118 people have abseiled down a cathedral to raise more than £50,000 for local good causes.

During a charity day, the abseilers at Coventry Cathedral fundraised for 21 charities in the city and Warwickshire, many which are run by volunteers or part-time staff.

More than £9,000 raised will go towards the "mammoth costs" of repairs at the cathedral and "keeping the doors open", it said.

"We are holding our breath to the cost of the preservation of this monumental Coventry iconic building," said head of fundraising, Mandy Spraggett.

Gavin Kibble of Feed the Hungry took the challenge wearing a zebra onesie

The tower in the ruins is closed for repair inspections, with the report itself costing £12,000, Ms Spraggett added.

Among abseilers, Anna Green, from Clothing Coventry said she had "faced her fear of heights" before making the 90ft (27M) drop last weekend.

"Every bit of courage was for a cause that clothes our community with dignity," she said.

Gavin Kibble agreed to abseil down the tower wearing a Zebra onesie to raise money to support the work of Feed the Hungry.

Almost £5,000 was raised for Coventry Foodbank and over £1,500 to support the charity's feeding programme in Ukraine.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has given towards this incredible effort," Mr Kibble said.

Other charities set to benefit include Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, MS Therapy Centre, Naylors Ark, and Carriers of Hope.