The Dartford and Gravesend Messenger will be supporting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS) throughout 2017 after choosing it as our Charity of the Year.

Every year, we pick a charity to champion and this year we will be supporting ADSS, which provides help to local people living with the conditions.

We hope to raise awareness and cash for ADSS, and are now looking for altitude-happy daredevils to take part in an adrenaline-fuelled challenge.

Those who dare to drop for the KM Abseil Challenge will scale over 100ft at Thomas Place in Maidstone, all in the name of good causes.

Sandie Wade, fundraising coordinator: “We were thrilled to be chosen as the charity of the year. People are as worried now about getting dementia as getting cancer or heart disease, because we’ve all seen it and know someone who’s had it.

“It’s such an important charity locally that we need to publicise it more and make people aware of it.”

Dominic Comins, of the KM Charity Team, which organises the event, said: “We are searching for those bold and brave few who are willing to conquer their fears and become heroes for charity.

“The Maidstone abseil always serves up a fun and thrilling day out, and we look forward to seeing many people take part.”

Abseilers are expected to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship, with 70% going to their chosen cause and the remaining 30% to a children’s literacy initiative run by the KM Charity Team.

The last abseiling event raised nearly £20,000.

There will be two abseils in 2017. The first is on Sunday, March 19 and the second in November. Charities wanting to use the events to raise funds for their causes should complete the Team Up with KM Charity page at http://bit.ly/1rC7lCa.