A GROUP of 60 people conquered their fears by abseiling 120ft down Peel Tower to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The team of friends and family took on the feat as part a series of eight challenges, set by a former Rossendale Council leader Tony Swain and his step-daughter Lucie Terry.

The duo have set themselves an ambitious target of £8000.

They raised £1,100 from a cake sale at the abseil.

The abseil is the second challenge taken on by the pair as part of their Big 8 Challenge, which was set up in memory of Mr Swain’s mum Patricia who died in January after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Miss Terry, who works at Smith Jones Solicitors in Burnley, said: “The abseil was a great success.

“We were completely overwhelmed with the generosity of our family, friends and every single person that took time to sponsor, donate cakes and their time to come and cheer everyone on.

“It really couldn’t have gone any better.

“Every person who attempted the abseil did it and hopefully some fears were conquered, though it’s not something I would like to do again.”

The pair decided to set upon the eight challenges as a way to celebrate their forthcoming 50th and 30th birthdays, by taking on a challenge for every decade they have lived.

Mr Swain, who is director of IT@93 Ltd in Rawtenstall, said: “This was the first challenge where I really had to conquer a fear to complete it.

“I only just managed that. But once I got going I loved it.

“The guys on the ropes were so helpful to everyone.

“As Lucie says it couldn’t have gone better.

“It was such a success due to all these factors but mainly due to the amazing people who did the challenge and helped out on the day.

“I’d also like to thank Ed Stephens and his firm was EJS-Aerial for filming and taking photographs with his drone.”

The Big 8 Challenge kicked off in December with the duo swimming a mile of Marls Pits swimming pool in Rawtenstall.

From now until September when they complete the challenge, the pair are also set to take part in The Manchester 10km, a coast to coast cycle ride from Workington to Sunderland in under 48 hours, kayaking the length of Lake Windermere, complete the National Three Peaks in under 24 hours, a sky dive in America and will finish off with a mini triathlon in Rossendale.

The pair have said they are also willing to do ‘daft stuff’ along the way to help boost their funds.

Mr Swain replaced Duncan Ruddick as leader of Rossendale Borough Council in December 2007.

To find out more about The Big 8 Challenge go to www.facebook.com/TheBig8Challenge/.

People can also donate via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thebig8.