Daredevil Les, 93, abseils county's tallest building for charities (From Stroud News and Journal)

Daredevil Les, 93, abseils county's tallest building for charities

1:35pm Monday 20th April 2009

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DAREDEVIL veteran Les Pugh, 93, took the plunge off Gloucestershire’s tallest building when he completed the Eagle Abseil Challenge on Sunday.

Former foundryman Les was the oldest of 120 participants who took part in the charity event off Cheltenham’s 168ft Eagle Star Tower.

The youngest was nine-year-olds Megan Sanders, who attends Parliament Primary School in Stroud, and Georgina Barr of Sheepscombe Primary.

Stonehouse resident Les, who overcame cancer in 2001, managed to raise almost £800 towards the ever-increasing total of £15,000, which will be split between The Gloucestershire MS Information and Therapy Centre and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled charities.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and the reception I had from everybody there was unbelievable," said Les, who was second to make the decent alongside SNJ reporter Nick Wakefield. "Before I reached the top I had no apprehensions about it whatsoever, but when I made it all the way down I had a feeling of complete satisfaction.

"I give my sincerest thanks to everyone who was kind enough to sponsor me.

"It is amazing how generous people have been at a time when funds are already so scarce."

Speaking about the efforts of event organisers David and Hazel Stallworthy, he added: "I have never met a more public spirited couple. I look upon them as friends of mine."

Before making the jump, Les took centre-stage at a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside several dignitaries, including Stonehouse mayor Mattie Ross.

Having bravely volunteered for the challenge with her father Malcolm, last minute nerves sadly got the better of Megan Sanders, who still managed to raise an impressive £360 for the charities.

She was followed by Georgina Barr, who wanted to complete the challenge to overcome her fear of heights, and raised more than £100 in the process.

Mr Stallworthy of D & H promotions, which organises fundraising events for several charities, wished to thank everyone who took part and all those who sponsored them.

Did you take part in the challenge too? Leave your memories here.

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