Age and injury no barrier to Darwen abseil hero

12:13pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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A DARWEN daredevil has raised money for charity by abseiling down one of the region's tallest monuments.

Ian Preston, 53, of Avondale Road, was the oldest person in the group who abseiled down the 128ft Peel Monument, on Holcombe Hill, near Ramsbottom, on Sunday, to raise awareness and money for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Ian said: "Considering that I'm diabetic, have a torn right Achilles tendon which is needing surgery, and a cruciate ligament injury to my left knee, I think I did pretty well!"

Ian was joined by presenter EJ from 107 The Bee who overcame her fear of heights to complete the challenge.

Ian said: "I've always had an affinity for cancer charities.

"A friend's mother died from leukaemia and I've also had my own personal cancer scare.

"In the past, I've made numerous donations to charities but if I gave to every charity I wanted to, I'd be broke!

"I abseiled many years ago when I was in the Air Cadets and I wanted to do it again before I got too old."

Ian raised £356. The Anthony Nolan Trust helps those who are in need of bone marrow transplants.