Sponsored Abseil 2004 On 12th September 2004 Louise Saunders took part in a sponsored abseil at the YMCA in Romford. This is her account of the event. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me. I enjoyed opening the sponsor envelopes (it was like having a birthday) and reading the good luck messages. Your encouragement was appreciated! Stepping over the edge did not worry me. The worst part was waiting around Sunday morning for the event to begin. That is what made my stomach keep churning. I knew if they kept to the times given I was the first one away. Although we were due to start abseiling at 9am I had to be at the YMCA to register at 8.15am. It was a long 45 minutes watching people setting up the stalls for refreshments, getting into position for marshalling the event, watching and listening to the PA going on air. Then the first 6 names to abseil were called and we made our way to the top of the building. I was helped into my harness and ropes, given a few tips on what to do and had a quick practice on a mini drop that had been set up, about 4 feet high. We were warned that the wall of the building had been painted with some sort of varnish and so would be slippery. When you start you have to put your feet on the edge of the roof and, while holding on to the ropes, lower yourself back until you are in a horizontal position. There is also a safety rope which someone holds onto and continually says "Don't worry. I've got you". I started off alright, but about half way down my feet started to slip and for a while I found it very hard work trying to keep my feet flat against the wall while getting my back into the horizontal position. This put a lot of strain on my arms which should have just been feeding the rope through the harness. By the time I finished I felt like I had been lifting weights for hours - something I never do! It was a very exhilarating and satisfying experience however, and now that I have done it once I would like to try it again and do it with a bit more style. It was a successful event for the YMCA and the Rotary Club and they are talking about doing it again next year. I had to raise £50 to take part and anything over that goes to a charity of my choice. To raise this money I asked my family to sponsor me. The YMCA is having a presentation evening in October so there should be another £25 coming to PussyCat Lodge. The sponsor forms that were sent to members of PussyCat Lodge I did as a separate event so that all the money pledged did actually go to PussyCat Lodge. With your support I raised £285. Thanks again for your support. Louise Saunders September 2004