BRAVE fundraisers will be getting a bird’s eye view of Worcestershire as they prepare to pull in the pounds for the county’s only dedicated sight charity.

They will be launching themselves from one of Worcester’s tallest buildings and abseiling to the ground in aid of Sight Concern Worcestershire on Sunday June 4.

The event takes place at the 160 ft high Cripplegate House, St Clement’s Close, in St John’s and is being supported by housing association Fortis living, which owns the property.

It is also being backed by Worcestershire County Councillor Richard Udall, who represents St John’s and is contributing a donation from his council divisional fund.

Cllr Udall said: “I’m pleased to be able to help support this event. It is going to be a real party atmosphere in St John’s and many people will have a great time raising funds for a great charity.

“I was asked to join in with the abseiling, but for two reasons I think it would be a mistake. Firstly I feel I may resemble a wrecking ball and secondly I have a completely irrational fear of heights, so I have agreed to do the next best thing.

“My divisional fund is to support events in my St John’s Division which will help the local community. This is a good example of how county councillors can help”.

Chris Colley, from Fortis Living, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Sight Concern in this way. We’re supporters of the charity anyway but when they approached us about this project it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.”

He added: “We have 13 members of Fortis staff taking part, plus one tenant. In addition, the residents of the block are being so supportive and are arranging for a ukulele band to play outside the building and they’re running a raffle and a tea tent on the day.”

Jenny Gage, chief officer of Sight Concern, said: “We’re so grateful to Cllr Richard Urdall for his sponsorship and to Fortis Living for allowing us to hold this event at their building. All participants will be briefed in the Sky Lounge which offers spectacular views across Worcester and the Malvern Hills.

“Stuart Allen, a local businessman and founder of #WorcestershireHour on Twitter, is also participating. He’s a non-executive director at Fortis Living and has already raised over £300, thanks to the generosity of the local business community.”

Jenny added: “We’re also delighted that a number of blind and partially sighted people are taking part, together with a fancy dress chicken. We only have a few places left now, so if you’d like to join us get in touch”.

No previous experience is required, while a £20 booking fee is required and all abseilers are expected to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.

For further information and to book visit www.sightconcern.co.uk/abseil or call 01905 723245 or email p.weir@sightconcern.co.uk.

Last year the charity, based at the Bradbury Centre, Sansome Walk, Worcester, held a fundraising abseil at Abberley Clock Tower.