An 82-year-old woman has abseiled down an iconic 60ft landmark dressed as Santa in a bid to raise money for charity.
Sam Westmacott joined dozens of Father Christmases for the drop at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.
She made the descent with her friend and personal trainer Marika Mossman, who runs Williton’s Fortitude Gym.
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Sam has trained for the event there by using a rowing machine and weights.
“I was so focused on Sam I completely forgot about being scared myself,” Marika told What’s The Jam.
“But it was very beautiful and an incredible day.
“Sam raised an incredible amount of money and has worked really hard in my gym – I was very proud of her.”
Sam, from Watchet, Somerset, said: “Marika came with me.
“We watched several Santas make the descent beginning as shaking, quivering pulverised jellies terrified of stepping out into the void and heard minutes later shouting with joy as they stood on terra firma.
“When it was my turn I focused on the instructions but I could not keep my feet on the rock face because my soles were rubber, it was slimy wet.
“So I floated down on the rope.
“I was hugely proud of my medal and wore it for the rest of the day.”
Sam raised £2000 in the event on Sunday (December 1) for St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton.
The charity said the festive fundraiser was a huge success raising over £18,500 in total.
A spokesperson for the hospice said: “It was a great way to celebrate the amazing work St Margaret’s carries out across the whole of Somerset.”
The event was well supported by volunteers dressed as elves who cheered on the 60 Santas taking part.
St Margaret’s provides end-of-life care to people in Somerset.
Last year the charity raised more than £20,000 by collecting used Christmas trees.
