ALL eyes are set to be on a Rocester vicar and a head teacher as they abseil down a church in support of a prominent member of the community who has suffered a stroke.
Reverend Kesh Govan, the vicar of Rocester with Croxden and Hollington, will be closely followed by Steve Bardon, head teacher of Ryecroft Middle School, as they abseil from the church tower of St Michael’s Church on Sunday, November 4.
Around 40 parishioners and residents of various ages will then follow ‘over the top’ with high hopes of raising funds for stroke victim David Sargeant.
Mr Sargeant has been a prominent member of both the Bramshall and the Hollington community from where he ran his computer business until the illness which left him paralysed on one side.
He has worked hard to regain mobility and can now walk a very short distance but still needs his wheelchair to get about.
The former businessman has recently trialled a new walking aid from America which helps by sending electrical impulses to the muscles in his leg causing them to contract and greatly assist his walking.
Organisers said his clients remember Mr Sargeant as an incredibly kind and caring person who was ready to go the extra mile for them and they are happy to be able to do something in return by raising funds to help the Sargeant family to buy the equipment.
Rev Govan said: “I am actually scared of heights but I have been on all the rides at Alton Towers as I like the thrill.
“I am supposed to be first which will be hilarious but it is raising money for a really good cause and I get to overcome my fear.
“David Sargeant has been really good to the community and has done a lot of work for people such as websites.
“He will always help other people wherever he can and we want to get him the best equipment.
In the long term it will help other people when he gets better.
“It is wonderful to see so many people from the community taking part.”
Mr Bardon (pictured) said he came to know about the abseil after one of his pupils Sasha Hawskworth, granddaughter of organiser Hilary, had a sponsorship form in lessons and he asked her what it was about.
He said: “The next thing I knew one of the governors Stephanie Shevlin had kindly nominated me to take part as it was a lovely idea for the local head teacher to be part of it.
“I am a little apprehensive about it but I am not scared of heights so I am sure it will be fine.” The abseil will be set up and run by Mayfield specialists Rock and Ice who recently organised a similar event at Derby Cathedral.
The abseilers hope to raise £3,000 on the day through individual sponsorship together with the sale of hot refreshments including soup and pork, ham and turkey baps, as well as a raffle.
The abseil will start at 12.30pm and continue through the afternoon and spectators are welcomed.
People wanting to sponsor Rev Govan or Mr Bardon are asked to visit Ryecroft Middle School or St Michael’s Church.
More information is available from organiser Hilary Hawskworth by phoning 01889 507124 or e-mailing hilaryhawk@hotmail.com
