Brave volunteers took fundraising to another level when they took a 120 feet leap in aid of charity.

More than 140 people braved the weekend’s windy weather to take part in the annual YMCA charity abseil on Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11 in Rush Green, Romford.

One of the organisers of the event, George Hagger said:“We were a bit worried about the weather but we had a good turn out and everyone was able to do what they set out to do.”

The annual event which was organised by the Havering East Rotary Club has raised previously in excess of �175,000.

Among those taking part this year were nine brave fundraisers representing St Francis Hospice.

The fearless team raised in excess of �3,500 for the Havering-atte-Bower based charity.

The youngest member of the team, Robson Burke, 8, joined his mother, Andrea, in a team called ‘Mad Mum and Little Legs’, for the descent and they have raised �400.

Robson said: “I’m proud of myself and of mum. I would do it again but not if we had to go over the edge, that was the scary part”.

Another family to take part were the Bush’s, from Rainham. Matthew, 23, Michael, 19, Daniel, 25, joined their dad, Paul, who had abseiled before, for the challenge.

“I’m proud of them all,” said Paul. “It was great, although a bit blowy, so when you bounced off the wall the wind caught you! I nearly went into one of the rooms! We’ve raised over �500, for a great local cause.”

Hospice fundraiser Lauren Josman said: “As always, I’m impressed with our team for taking on this challenge – I get nervous just watching them teeter over the edge of the YMCA! The money raised will make a difference to people living in this community with a life limiting illness.”

Cllr Linda Van Den Hende also took part in the abseil, representing Hornchurch children’s charity First Step,

She said: “It was my sixth time doing the abseil and it does not get any easier, but I was doing it for First Step because they do some amazing work with children.”