Daring duo to abseil down the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit

Michael Rogers, 61, and his niece Charlotte Joseph, 20, (pictured) signed up to abseil down the iconic 80 metre high ArcelorMittal Orbit, which is in the heart of the Olympic Park, to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice.

The father of two was so grateful to the hospice for looking after his wife Ilona before she died of breast cancer in 2009 that he is determined to ensure other people and their families benefit from the charity's excellent service.

"The hospice was fantastic to my wife and my family," said Michael, who lives in Harlow.

"They went beyond the call of duty.

"They were caring, understanding and considerate.

"After we got over the shock of everything we sat down and said we have to support the hospice.

"We have to make sure this place can carry on because they do amazing work."

Michael and Charlotte, from Ilford, took part in a skydive for the hospice last year and they enjoyed the event so much they were on the lookout for their next fundraising challenge.

"The skydive was such great fun and when we saw the abseil it looked really exciting, especially since it is the Orbit and it is in the Olympic Park," said Michael.

"I went to the Olympics several times and even went up the Orbit.

"It will be another adrenalin rush and being able to link it to something worthwhile is great and means someone can benefit from my bit of fun."

To find out more about the abseil on September 20th contact the hospice's events team on 01708 771 427 or click here.