A retiree from Epsom has overcome his fear of heights by abseiling down the Orbit tower at London's Olympic Park to raise money for a Nepalese children's charity.

Nick Barry, a retired management consultant and chair of trustees at Kidasha, a charity that supports vulnerable working and street children in Nepal, took part in a "free-fall" abseil down the 114.5-metre tall tower – the tallest free fall abseil in the UK.

To add to the challenge, Nick had just recovered from a hip replacement surgery, which took place just four months ago.

Nick at the top of the Orbit tower about to start the abseil
Nick at the top of the Orbit tower about to start the abseil

“I was offered the opportunity by Kidasha and I thought why not have a go," said father-of-two Mr Barry. "I had a hip operation in May and I recently turned 60 so I thought now or never."

Between 2008 and 2010, Mr Barry was a volunteer in Kathmandu in Nepal working with a charitable organisation, while his wife supported government teachers.

“I supported a charity to try and boost their capacity and advised on how to run their own business and my wife was a teacher, supporting government teachers,” he said.

He has so far raised £1,500 for Kidasha, which supports some of the most vulnerable children in Nepal, protecting them from abuse and exploitation.

Speaking about the challenge, Mr Barry said: “When I stood on the edge, it was very nerve racking and they take you up to 80 metres and you stand on the platform.

"The guys were really good and helped no end, they tell you to lean back and trust the ropes.

“Once you get off the edge you lean back and allow the ropes to take the weight, it's you in control, I was then able to use the ropes, it was a beautiful view right across London, it was lovely."

'Stomach churning'

Mr Barry did admits as someone not the best with heights, abseilling had previously never appealed to him - for obvious reasons.

"However, having just turned 60 and recovered from a hip replacement, I thought it was time I challenged myself – and for what better reason than to raise money for Kidasha!" he said.

"It certainly wasn't easy; going over the top was completely stomach churning. But it was worth it to be able to help such an inspiring charity."

Janice Miller, CEO of Kidasha, added: “It is always fantastic to see people fundraising for Kidasha, and we were especially impressed by Nick’s decision to face his fear of heights.

"We're so proud that he was able to complete the challenge and raise so much money to help vulnerable children in Nepal.”

To support Nick’s fundraising efforts, you can donate via his MyDonate page.

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