THE outgoing mayor of Launceston has raised nearly £1,500 for two local causes through an adrenaline-fuelled challenge.

For the last two terms, Cllr Helen Bailey has been leading Launceston Town Council as the town’s mayor. However, with her term coming to an end this month, and to mark the occasion, she took on a mighty challenge by abseiling down Meldon Viaduct for charity.

The money raised from the feat would be going to support her two chosen charities for 2024/25, Man Down Launceston and Launceston Youth Music Theatre (LYMT).

Cllr Bailey said: “Man Down is dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges, this group is saving lives. LYMT encourages and builds confidence through performance in young people aged between 8 and 18, three incredible shows under their belt so far, such talent we have hidden in our towns young people. With 90 students currently in this project which celebrates it’s second birthday this week.”

Commenting on why she wanted to take on this challenge, Cllr Bailey said she hopes to shine a light on a number of important organisations within the town.

She added: “I wanted to promote the two organisations by doing something different to fundraise, this would have happened last year but due to an ankle injury it was not possible till now. Also choosing the Viaduct is an opportunity to promote the huge project Connect Launceston led by Cllr Dave Gordon to bring the railway back to Launceston, with a line from Okehampton.”

Finally, the big day arrived and with butterflies circling in her stomach, on Saturday, May 3, Cllr Bailey pushed herself to the limit by overcoming her fears and taking to the wall at Meldon Viaduct.

Speaking about the event, Cllr Bailey said: “The weather was perfect, the views were spectacular and the feeling of dread for a little while was overwhelming . Adventure Okehampton staff were exceptional and gave us such confidence to step into mid air with what felt like just a rope as being the most sensible safe thing you could do. The next time however, I will only be on a viaduct travelling over it, not swinging off it.”

Thanks to the challenge, around £1,500 was raised for the local causes.

Thanking residents for their support, Cllr Bailey said: “I would like to thank everyone who donated either locally or on the GoFundme page for their generosity and faith in me and to Daniel Brewer from the Community Development Fund for braving the abseil with me, a great source of encouragement and a friend for life.”

Despite fears surrounding the challenge, Cllr Bailey has confirmed she would take on the abseil again.

She added: “Would I do it again, yes definitely it was exhilarating maybe something to plan in the future for another great cause maybe.”

Donations can still be made to the challenge via the GoFundMe page, www.gofundme.com/f/launceston-mayors-charities-2024-2025

The Byre in Launceston Town Square is also collecting donations.