THE Kent Messenger Group is to support an exciting sponsored event that will test the mettle of KentOnline readers.

A minimum of 50 people are needed to rise to the challenge and take part in a thrilling abseil event being staged at Fremlin Walk shopping area, Maidstone on Saturday, April 14.

Two abseil ropes will be fixed to the roof of the building in Earl Street enabling our brave participants to abseil 100ft down the side of the building.

This is the first time a sponsored event of this nature has been staged at Fremlin Walk and event promoters, the Kent Walking Bus Project, are planning an online auction for the right to be the first person to abseil down the sire of the building.

Specsavers and Fremlin Walk are both sponsoring the event and encouraging their staff to sign up and take on the charity challenge. One more sponsor is needed to make a donation of £650 to ensure the cost of the equipment and technical team is covered and ensure every penny of the sponsorship money raised by participants can go to charity.

To take part our brave participants must raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Heart of Kent Hospice, which will receive 70 per cent of the funds raised, and the children's road safety charity Kent Walking Bus Project, which will receive 30 per cent of sponsorship raised. Both charities are well respected and received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2005.

To apply for a free event pack order it online at www.kentwalkingbus.org

The abseil is being organised on the day by Avalon Adventures which is the professional firm that has worked with the Walking Bus staging many successful events in Kent. As well as having qualified staff, many of whom are former servicemen, the firm has full public liability insurance.

Alison Keen, community fund-raiser at the Heart of Kent Hospice, met up with Fremlin Walk centre manager Lloyd Wright and Specsavers optician Sarah Martin to inspect the challenge facing KM readers.

Mrs Keen said: "We are delighted to be part of this exciting project and very grateful for the support of the Kent Messenger Group and sponsors Specsavers and Fremlin Walk.

"Having seen for myself the challenge facing the participants they will certainly have earned the backing and support of all those who sponsor them.”

The Heart of Kent Hospice, which provides care free, requires £2.5 million a year to operate and serves 600 patients and their families, both within its buildings and in the community.

Download the entry form...

For information about the abseil or to sponsor the event call Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752.