Ray abseiled down Colchester Town Hall...to celebrate his 80th birthday (From Gazette)

Ray abseiled down Colchester Town Hall...to celebrate his 80th birthday

1:42pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

RAY Richer found a novel way to celebrate his 80th birthday...a sponsored abseil down Colchester Town Hall.

He was among the 30 daredevils who descended the iconic High Street building to raise money for the Stroke Association.

It wasn't plain sailing for Ray, who had to get a helping hand halfway down, but he enjoyed the expeirence.

Ray, of The Green, Great Bentley, said: “When I saw in the Gazette they were looking for people to take part, I thought ‘what better way for me to turn 80?’.

“I don’t think my family would let me do it alone so they said they would help.”

Sons Chris and Philip and grandchildren Daniel, 28, and Laura, 24, also took part.

Ray's family have raised about £700 for the Stoke Association, a charity which Mr Richer said is close to his heart after he was admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke 15 years ago.

 

After checks by doctors at Colchester General Hospital, a stroke was ruled out.

Mayor Christopher Arnold also took part in the abseil.