A CHARITY dedicated to helping blind people is calling on Black Country folk to take a leap of faith.

Sedgley-based Beacon, formerly Beacon Centre For The Blind, is planning an abseil event from the tower at Dudley Castle where members of the public will be able to take the plunge to raise charity cash.

The event, on Sunday September 28, will give visitors the chance to descend down the 70-foot tower to raise funds for people living with sight loss.

Kelly Vickers, fundraising and events officer at Beacon, added: “We’re always looking for fun and different ways to raise money for the charity and we’re sure this daunting challenge will be successful.

“Abseiling is an exhilarating activity to take part in and we’re offering five timeslots during the day to ensure that everyone who is keen to take part has the chance.”

Account director Caroline Garbett, junior account executive Kate Sanders and finance manager Jackie Winfield from the Connect PR agency are among people already signed up to take part.

Caroline said: “Connect started working with Beacon almost a year ago and, in that time, we have been inspired by the way the charity transforms the day-to-day lives of local people.

“Abseiling from Dudley Castle will be a real leap of faith for us, but we are excited to be helping raise awareness of Beacon and support its fundraising activity.”

participants are asked to pay £10 to register and commit to raising at least £75 in sponsorship. Anyone over the age of ten can take part, with under-18s needing a signed letter of consent from their parent or guardian.

For more information visit www.beacon4blind.co.uk or by calling 01902 880111.