MORE than 1,000 fundraisers are preparing to hurtle down Colchester’s North Hill on a giant water slide to raise money for a good cause.

The two-lane 250 SlideRider event has been jointly organised by Colchester Council and Cancer Research UK, for Bank Holiday Monday with participants being urged to make a splash to raise cash.

A total of 1,093 thrill seekers have paid £15 to travel down one of the town centre’s busiest roads like never before by climbing aboard an inflatable at the top of the slide and speeding down the slope.

Colchester Council’s chief executive Adrian Pritchard is one of the people donning his swimming shorts for the challenge, and as well as paying his entry fee to Cancer Research, he is also raising sponsorship money to donate to the mayor’s charities.

Mr Pritchard said: “Raising money for charity is all about doing something out of the ordinary, and believe me when I say I never thought I would be sliding down North Hill as part of my role as chief executive.

“I’m not sure I’m looking forward to it exactly, but what a great chance to raise some money for CRUK and the mayor’s charities.”

Mayor Therea Higgin’s charities are Colchester YMCA, Colchester Sea Cadets, Colchester Phoenix Swimming Club, Stepping Stones Play and Learn Nursery, Colchester and Tendring Deaf Children's Society and Nurture Dogs.

To sponsor Mr Pritchard visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/adrian-pritchard

There is still time to book your place on the slide between 11am and 5pm on Monday by visiting cruk.org/sliderider and people can turn up on the day, but places are limited for the event which is set to raise thousands of pounds.

Slides are priced at £15 for two chances to plummet down the hill with the money being donated to Cancer Research UK.

Anyone over the age of eight can take part as long as they are more than 131cm tall.

Participants are being advised to wear swimwear, t-shirts and shorts they do not mind getting wet and avoid jeans, anything with buckles and studs which may damage the slide.

Jewellery, watches, belts, footwear and sunglasses will have to be removed and nothing should be stored in pockets while sliding.

There will not be anywhere to store valuables, so sliders should either leave them at home or ensure a friend is on hand to ensure they are kept safe.

They are also being advised to bring spare clothes to change into after completing their slides.