Four friends who all work at Onchan Primary School recently faced their fears for charity.

Tracey O’Neill, Gill Caley, Cathy Stowell and Carolyn Moore took on the challenge of abseiling 110ft off Maughold Head in aid of two local charities.

Family, friends and school colleagues sponsored the four, and within two weeks they had collectively raised £1300.

The women had hoped to complete the abseil in March 2020, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic the activity had to be postponed.

They said that ’even though none of [them] have a head for heights’, a new date for the abseil was arranged with Dave Read from Maughold Venture Centre for June 12 this year.

Cheques were presented to both Manx Blind Welfare Society and Isle Listen.

Tracey said: ’The Manx Blind Welfare have been superb in supporting my Mum over recent years, and continue to do so [whilst] Isle Listen provide a fantastic service to the local community, for those struggling with their mental health. These charities are both close to my heart.

She added: ’[I want to say a] special thanks to my friends for doing the abseil with me, and to all who kindly sponsored us. We are all overwhelmed by their generosity and support.’

The charities invited the fund-raisers to their premises for a visit in the near future.