Bangor University staff in charity abseil down column

Oct 1 2008 By Daniel Bissett

IT was a super Sunday for charity as staff from Bangor University defied gravity to abseil the world-famous Marquess of Anglesey’s column near the Menai Bridge, a mere 28m (91ft) high.

The North West Cancer Research Fund (NWCRF), which backs research into the basic causes of the disease, raised around £2,000 through the efforts, brave or foolhardy, of those taking part in the abseil and other staff members taking part in the Anglesey Marathon. Those choosing to take the plunge were led by Dr Ramsay McFarlane, who heads research into chromosome dynamics at the NWCRF Institute at Bangor University – and who showed both nerve and style as he made light of the dizzying drop.

Dr McFarlane said: "It’s a marvellous view from the top as you can see right across the Menai Strait. And of course, it’s great fun to take part, but the important point is to raise money, and awareness, for the work we all do to fight cancer."

Among those running on behalf of the NWCRF was Dr McFarlane’s colleague, Dr David Pryce, who finished an impressive 29th overall in a field of 254 runners.

What makes his achievement more remarkable is the fact that a leg injury left him unable to train for the event.

Dr Pryce is a key member of the team researching changes in chromosomes, which can contribute to the development of cancer. This is one of the cutting-edge scientific projects carried at the NWCRF Institute at Bangor, which recently received £334,640 from the charity, as it continues its funding for senior researchers.

Another marathon man raising cash for the NWCRF was Simon Hibbott, who had prepared for the event pounding the rocky roads of rural Spain near Granada during the heat of the summer. Simon’s wife Jude and her family are from Ruthin, and have strong connections with the charity.

His father and cousin have both been affected by cancer, so he has a very strong personal motivation for getting involved.

Simon completed the course and raised more than £1,000 for the NWCRF in the process.

He said: "My wife and I spent seven weeks in Spain earlier this year, so that’s where I did most of my training.

"I think perhaps I went off too quickly, and the second half was tough, but I’m delighted to have done it and very grateful to all those who have backed me so generously."