Culdrose personnel have bravely abseiled down the air traffic control tower in challenging weather conditions to raise funds for several charities."

On a miserable Monday, personnel took the plunge to abseil down the control tower at RNAS Culdrose to raise funds for the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, the Sparkle Foundation and Helston-based charity, Steve’s legacy.

Assisted by the HMS Sultan Mountaineering Team, participants abseiled down one by one in heavy rain, all for a good cause.

The event which had been organised by Met Officer observer Able Rating Lydia Simmons has raised more than £500 with donations still coming in.

You can donate, or see the crowdfunding page here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/atctowerabseil

One participant prepares to abseil down One participant prepares to abseil down (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

Leigh Yates of the Sparkle Foundation has expressed her gratitude to those who took part. She said: “What a great week! Huge thank you to the brave peeps of Culdrose who braved the weather and heights to fundraise for Steve’s Legacy Sailing down the air traffic control tower!

“We are very grateful and exceptionally proud.

“Not only does the support from the personnel at RNAS Culdrose make a big difference to local charities, but it also reflects the heart and soul of serving personnel and their wonderful connection with the community.

“This event raises awareness and sends a powerful message of support.”

Despite the heavy rain, the group look happy to be taking part Despite the heavy rain, the group look happy to be taking part (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

Steve’s Legacy, a male mental health talking group launched in Helston in 2023 following the death of Porthleven man Steve Yates in 2022.

The group is a chance for men to come together to talk about their mental health with support from trained therapists.

Sessions cover issues including anxiety, depression, OCD, intrusive thoughts, grief, coping mechanisms, suicide, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationships, and other forms of mental health.

Steve’s Legacy groups take place every Wednesday between 4pm and 5.30pm at the Cattle Market in Helston.

For more information, visit The Sparkle Foundation on Facebook.