A SPRIGHTLY pensioner from Lisburn abseiled 135ft down Scrabo Tower in order to raise vital funds for national charity Cruse Bereavement Care Northern Ireland on Saturday.

David Dowling, along with three generations of his family Yvonne, Paul and Kelly McKee, all took part in the event.

Mr. Dowling commented: "Cruse is a very worthy charity and as well as raising money for them we have all have the chance to take part in this unique event. It was an excellent day all round."

The charity, has been providing bereavement support in NI since 1984, exists to promote the wellbeing of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by

death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.

All the services are provided by Cruse free of charge therefore the charity is wholly dependent on the generosity of the local community and statutory support to deliver the services.

This is why fundraising events such as the sponsored abseil are crucial for the continued survival of the charity.

Anne Townsend, Regional Manager for Cruse in Northern Ireland states: "In Northern Ireland there are approximately 15,000 deaths each year. Bereavement is something that touches everyone at one stage in their lives and for some people the effects of bereavement may be long lasting.

"Cruse is often instrumental in helping people come to terms with their grief.

"However, the sustainability of Cruse is dependent on the support of the community and fundraising."

Information on the support services Cruse provides, log onto their website www.cruse.org.uk.

mary.magee@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
/2008