Exeter Cathedral abseil raises over £50,000

They more than doubled their target

Exeter Cathedral has incredibly doubled its fundraising target following the charitable abseil down the 140-foot North Tower on Saturday 4 May. 

The widow of a former Dean of Exeter, Anne Eyre who is in her 80s, came up with the idea for the event herself and was the first of 54 fundraising abseilers to descend the wall of the Norman Tower as part of the Cathedral’s ‘Fundraising Fun Day’. 

The abseil was originally planned for 2020 to celebrate Anne’s 80th birthday, however, the challenge was put on hold and took place four years later due to the pandemic.

With over 50 abseilers descending the 12th-century tower, hundreds of people were in attendance to support and cheer on the adventurers. The Exeter Independent Market was also on the green and open tours around the Cathedral were taking place throughout the day.

Among those who took part in the abseil was Radio Exe’s very own Josh Tate, who managed to raise over £500 towards the funding of a window in the Cathedral’s new Cloister Gallery building, which will connect the Cathedral to its 13th-century Chapter House and Pearson Buildings.

Anne Eyre, who was the first person to descend the cathedral said: “I did this partly in memory of my late husband Richard as well, who was a former Dean whose head is also carved into the South Tower!

“I have deep connections with the cathedral which motivated me. More importantly, I am thrilled that so many have got involved, with fantastic generosity, to support the cathedral’s extraordinarily imaginative Development Project.”

Radio Exe’s Josh Tate who also took part in the abseil thought the abseil was extraordinary: “When else do you get the opportunity to abseil down one of Devon’s most historic buildings? 

"Anne has been incredible throughout the fundraising process helping the three youngest people reach the target of £500. She is an inspiration to so many individuals and I am honoured to have worked alongside her throughout this event.

“It was such a great experience to fundraise the money for the Cathedral’s charity and then to descend over 140 feet down one of the Roman Towers. It is undoubtedly one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had!”

The charity abseil has raised over £50,000 so far... and counting. If you would like to donate click here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/josh-tate-1709563347520?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjosh-tate-1709563347520&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share