Brave trio take a windswept leap to help cancer charity (From Penarth Times)

Brave trio take a windswept leap to help cancer charity

A COURAGEOUS Penarth mother and daughter faced a big drop and high winds to raise cash for charity.

After telling of her plans in an article in the September 13 issue of the Penarth Times, Ann Davies, with her daughter Eleanor of Mountjoy Avenue and 13-year-old Nicola Caldwell, also from Penarth, abseiled 210ft down the side of Brunel House, Cardiff, in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign.

Eleanor went first, and left Ann to contemplate her plight before taking the plunge. Then it was Eleanor's turn, but as she was so light she had to be connected to an instructor to stop the wind blowing her off target.

All three hugged one another at the bottom.

Ann said: "The day was rough and wet, and my heart sank.

"As I was hanging in the air, I thought to myself 'there are stairs and lifts - so why am I dangling from a piece of rope on the outside of a building?'"

Afterwards Ann counted her sponsorship money and said: "I have so far collected £1,020. Next week, I am doing a talk in Wolverhampton, and instead of a fee or expenses, I will be getting sponsorship money. So we haven't stopped yet."

All three have collected more than £1,300 between them.

Ann added: "After the Times article, people stopped me in the street to donate money. "They have been so generous."

Ann herself developed breast cancer in 1991, and had treatment. Now she has an on-going skin cancer problem, and truly understands the necessity of this life-saving treatment. It's still not too late for donations.

Anyone wishing to help should send money or cheques (made payable to The Cancer Research Campaign Wales) to The Cancer Research Campaign, 12 Mountjoy Avenue, Penarth, CF63 2SX.