The event is being held to raise money for both the Cathedral and the Peterborough-based charity ‘Shine’, which provides specialist support for people affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

The abseil itself will not be for the faint hearted. Having ascended the ancient spiral staircase within the great North West Tower and taken in breathtaking views across the City, participants will clip in and descend the 150 foot vertical drop, cheered on by friends, family and colleagues (watching from a safe distance) below. Derby Mountain Rescue will be on hand to safely guide the proceedings.

Anyone seeking to take part in this exciting challenge can book directly via www.cathedralabseil.com. Registration will cost £50 (plus a booking fee) and entrants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £250 to support the two worthy causes – prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers. Participants must be at least 16-years-old in order to take part, and all entrants will receive a personalised image to share on their social media platforms in the lead-up to the event. Places will be limited and are sure to sell fast, so entrants are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

The abseil will be one of a number of special events taking place in Peterborough in 2018 as part of the ‘Peterborough Celebrates’ campaign – a year-long festival to mark the 900th anniversary of Peterborough Cathedral.

The event is being launched in the Cathedral Grounds at 11.00am on Thursday 1st March, and as part of the ‘Peterborough Celebrates’ festivities, everyone who signs up to take part in the first 900 minutes – ie before 2.00am on Friday 2nd March – will receive a VIP t-shirt.

Discounted accommodation will also be available for entrants travelling to take part in the event at the Park Inn in Peterborough – the event’s official accommodation partner – (www.parkinn.co.uk/hotel-peterborough), and live coverage of the event on will be broadcast on Heart FM – the event’s official media partner – on Friday 18th May (www.heart.co.uk/peterborough).

For further information about the event, contact georgia.kelly@shinecharity.org.uk. You can also join in with the buzz on social media by using the hashtag #900abseil.

To find out more about Peterborough Cathedral’s 900th anniversary year, please visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or Liz.Hurst@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.

To find out more about ‘Shine’, go to www.shinecharity.org.uk or call 01733 555988.

For more information about the ‘Peterborough Celebrates’ campaign, visit www.peterboroughcelebrates.org.uk.

Sponsor the Dean

The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, has bravely volunteered to do the abseil at 10.00am on Friday 18th May, in aid of these two great causes.  Please sponsor him if you can! The link is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisDalliston. Thank you.