50 INTREPID Santas abseiled down the iconic 60ft Cheddar Gorge to raise money for charity earlier this month.

Participants raised more than £20,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice Care as they were cheered on by their friends and family at the event on December 1.

The Santas were guided by experts from Cave and Climb while volunteer elves greeted participants at the finish line with medals and mince pies donated by Dough of Taunton.

Anna Middleton, a health care assistant at St Margaret’s who completed the abseil alongside her two children, said: “It was an amazing experience. I was a bit nervous at the top of the gorge, but once I took the first step, there was no stopping me.

“I really enjoyed it. A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and supported this year’s Santa Abseil.

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Anna (middle) and her children celebrate their abseil Picture: St Margaret’s Hospice Care

“The money raised will make a massive difference to patients and their families.

“We’re hoping to purchase another cuddle bed for the in-patient unit which is £15,000, and allows families to spend precious moments together in comfort.

“The money raised from the abseil could go towards making that happen.”

One Santa took the opportunity for a quick selfie as they abseiled down Picture: St Margaret’s Hospice Care

Blackdown Finance sponsored the event, with the company’s director and financial planner, who is also a hospice supporter, Simon Cutler, participated alongside colleagues.

He said the team “thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Simon Cutler (centre) and Blackdown Finance colleagues Picture: St Margaret’s Hospice Care

Merle Harrison-Croft, events manager at St Margaret’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the incredible response to this year’s Santa Abseil.

“A huge thank you to our brave Santas for taking on this amazing challenge in aid of the hospice.

“The support we’ve received from our community has been remarkable, and it was heart-warming to see so many people come out to cheer on our participants.”

“Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Santa Abseil a festive and impactful success!”

Joy and celebrations after the abseil Picture: St Margaret’s Hospice Care