A HAIR-RAISING abseil in blustery conditions by Pembroke Dock councillor Tony Wilcox and friends raised £900 for charity.

Pennar county councillor Tony Wilcox took the decision to make the 60 foot descent down Pembroke Dock Fire Station on September 26 to raise funds for the National Autistic Society, the National Firefighters Charity, and Paul Satori during the abseil.

Cllr Wilcox, who was initially to be the lone fundraiser, was joined by seven others on the descent.

Cllr Wilcox, who raised £400 himself, said: “It went very well, very good indeed; the weather was terrible but it was really good. Because of the weather we couldn’t go from the top of the station but went from the next one down, about 60 foot up; it’s far enough to be falling.”

Councillor Wilcox was joined by other brave abseillers, including Tenby Mayor Laurence Blackhall and Newport

“I thought I’d go second or third; and there was nobody up there with a knife, so that was okay.

“It gives you a little bit of nerves, you reverse out, but I’d seen the first two do it and that allayed any thoughts I’d had.

“The firefighters were very professional, to be doing it with a fireman you’re not going to be hanging on for grim death.”

Senior Mid and West Wales Fire Authority member Wynne Evans, present on the day, said: “I’d like to thank the firefighters from Pembroke Dock, and from Pontardylais, who co-ordinated the event.”

On his Justgiving online charity donation page, Cllr Wilcox said: “I’m sure over the years many people would have wanted to see me hanging by a rope from a great height, well now is your chance to see this happen.” 

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/teams/tonywilcoxabseil