Facing Great Heights

Jane Skates

Fundraiser, Jane Skates, shares her life enhancing abseiling experience for Bury Hospice

Peel Tower in Holcombe has spectacular views overlooking Greater Manchester, and one of the best ways of experiencing the soaring vistas is by abseiling down the monumental landmark.

On Saturday 29th June, Bury Hospice supporters will have the opportunity to take on the exciting abseil challenge, which is being delivered by Alternative Adventure and Outdoor Activities Services.

It was never Jane Skates’ intention to abseil 128ft down Peel Tower but when the opportunity arose, she felt that she couldn’t resist giving it a go.

“It was a spur of the moment thing,” said Jane. 

“I went up to the tower to see what was happening with some family and friends, and they were talking about people doing the abseil, and I thought, ‘oh, I could do that’ – and I just went and did it.”

Jane was surprised by her impulse to descend the tower, and her family and friends were both shocked by her fearlessness, yet also encouraged to take on the challenge as well.

Jane said: “It was great; I liked it. It was fun. 

“I didn't think I was going to do anything like that because I really don't like heights, but coming down, and not seeing where I was going helped - so I just kept coming down.” 

Jane didn’t have time to put herself into a frame of mind that would help her get over her fear of heights, because she just went and completed the abseil before she had time to overthink.

She said: “I did it and I liked it, and I’ve done it twice since then.” 

Anybody over 16 and in good health can abseil for Bury Hospice provided they pledge to raise a minimum of £175 to support palliative and end-of-life care.

Jane with fellow abseilers

Jane was 82 back in 2018 when she did the abseil. Now aged 88, Jane still stands as the oldest person to take on the Bury Hospice abseil.

Although she’s no longer physically able to do the challenge, Jane recalls the exhilarating experience with fondness.

She said: “I'd like to do it again but my knees won't let me now because you have to kneel at the parapet at the top.”

Nevertheless, Jane recommends others to try abseiling, and says that she personally knows about four people who are interested in doing the abseil this year.

She said: “It's just a good experience; I was happy with it and wanted to do it again, so I did.”

Head here if you’d like to register for the Bury Hospice abseil 2024:

Register Now