Bishop abseils down cathedral for charity

A Surrey bishop has abseiled down a cathedral wall to raise money for charity.

The Right Reverend Andrew Watson scaled nearly 50 metres (160ft) down the tower of Guildford Cathedral, along with staff, bell ringers, members of the congregation and local community.

"I can't pretend that the abseiling was anything other than terrifying," he said.

"But it was wonderful to be cheered on by such a great bunch of people, including my fellow abseilers."

The bishop, who was the first to abseil down, added that he was "really glad" to have done it.

The 27 abseilers have so far raised more than £10,000 for Guildford Cathedral and the Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund, which supports grassroots projects helping vulnerable people.

"It was a day full of joy, community spirit and no small amount of bravery," Nicola Pratt, head of development at Guildford Cathedral, said.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and supported this event."

Guildford Cathedral, which sits on Stag Hill, costs about £3,500 a day to keep its building and outreach, education and cultural programmes running.

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