Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club supporters faced their fears while braving wind and snow when they abseiled down a 150ft drop to raise funds for the club.
A total of 21 players and members of all ages made the descent down Haytor on Dartmoor on Saturday, March 2, in a daring feat which they said ‘demonstrated the spirit of the club’.
Some were dressed in cricket whites, others chose special attire for the challenge.
Cricket club volunteer Leigh Extence was inspired by James Bond, and dressed up in a dinner jacket for the event. He said: “This was a perfect opportunity for me to combine tackling my great fear of heights with a deep love of Haytor, a favourite sanctuary since childhood, and in doing so help raise funds for the cricket club nets. My fear turned to amazement at how much I enjoyed the exhilarating experience.”
Committee member Emma Cooling said: “The worst part was having to get into position on a ledge at the top, it was icy cold and very blustery – I dared not look down!”
The abseil was organised by BSCC fundraising co-ordinator Carolyn Roper under the expert guidance of Climb South West and has raised around £7.5k so far towards the cost of training nets for the club, which cost £40,000. The club had to leave its fixed training nets behind when it left its former premises at Otter Mouth.
Carolyn said: “Saturday demonstrated the incredible spirit of BSCC. Not only did members face their fears to raise much needed funds for the club, but many others came along to support, despite the wintery conditions. It was a proud day to be part of BSCC.”
The club has more fundraisers planned:
· From 9am to 12 noon on Saturday, March 23, players will wash cars for £5 (£10 for vans) at the car park of the Holt, the club’s new home on East Budleigh Road.
· On Good Friday, March 29, player Adam Jones will cycle 138 miles on a static bike at The Holt starting at 9.30am. A table-top sale will also be held at the club that day from 11am until 2pm.
· On Easter Sunday, March 31, there will be an Easter egg hunt at the club, starting at 9.45am, for £2 per child.
To support the brave abseilers and the nets appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bsccnetscampaign
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