Restore

Mental illness affects one in four of us in our lifetime, but people can, and do, recover. Restore is an Oxfordshire mental health charity that supports people to take control of their recovery, develop skills, and lead meaningful lives. Restore offers recovery groups, training, and employment coaching to make this possible. Founded in 1977, Restore is part of a partnership of local mental health organisations with a commitment to helping people to recover, stay well and participate in and contribute to the life of our county.

Dorchester Abbey

Dorchester Abbey is over 1000 years old and at the heart of the village of Dorchester on Thames offering not only a place to worship but also hosting musical events, social and educational activities, exhibitions and, above all, welcome to anyone who visits.

The Abbey costs £500 a day to maintain, and like all old buildings requires regular restoration,

Fundraising for both these local charities – Restore and Dorchester Abbey – will make a vital contribution to their much needed services and so I am asking you to sponsor me to abseil down the 100 ft Abbey tower.

Why do I want to do this?

I am 92 and probably should have more sense, but I was a mountain climber in my youth and sometimes abseiled down from heights. I think I can manage one more go! I have checked my biggest challenge - that I can climb the stone spiral stairs to the top of the Abbey tower - so coming down, with gravity on my side, should be relatively easy.

I also have personal reasons to want to support both charities. Firstly, we retired to Dorchester on Thames six years ago and love it here. We have been welcomed by the community and enjoy the village facilities, most especially those offered to us by the Abbey.

Secondly, in my working life as a clinical psychologist I set up a charity, Aquarius, which offers support and rehabilitation to people with alcohol and drug problems, many of whom have mental health issues. There is a local branch of Aquarius in Oxford.

All money raised in sponsorship will be divided equally between the two charities.