FIFTEEN people from York have helped a woman to raise over £4,000 for charity after taking part in an abseiling challenge to help celebrate her 70th birthday.

Anne Crawford was joined by 14 family and friends for the daring descent from the top of St Chad’s Church, in Campleshon Road on Saturday (September 18), to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Anne, who reached her 70th birthday in January, had to put her celebrations on hold after being diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year - meaning she had to go through treatment. However, Anne has come out on top in the battle against the disease and was fit to take on the challenge over the weekend.

"It was really scary, but absolutely brilliant. There were so many people supporting us and I'd like to thank all of them", Anne said.

The ages of those who abseilied down the church ranged from 22 - 74, with five over 70s taking part. One of Anne's friends, Josie Clarke, is registered blind and managed to complete the daring task with the instructors from Lost Earth Adventures.

Anne's family travelled from as far as Belfast, London, Manchester and Warrington to join the challenge.

A fellow York woman, Jo Dalglish, who Anne did not know before the event, came along to organise a cake stall - which raised £250 for the charity.

So far, the team have managed to raise £4,385 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The charity is close to Anne's heart, as one of her close friends and former colleague has dementia - and she has  known other people with the condition.

"Everyone was so kind. I’ve always thought it’s a dreadful disease, so I want to do what I can to raise awareness, as well as money, to support those affected by it", Anne went on to say.

The abseiling team's donation page remains open, and can be accessed here.