A County Derry man has managed to persuade four members of the clergy to scale new heights by taking on a charity abseil this summer.
Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, will be joined by Church of Ireland Rector, Reverend David McBeth (pictured), Reverend Mark Shaw, Minister of Strabane, and Rev Sean O’Donnell, deacon at St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, for the abseil which will take place in Foyle Arena in Derry on July 11.
The daredevil clerics will be joined by a number of well-known faces, who have pledged to take on the challenge for the Foyle branch of Parkinson’s UK.
They include Derry GAA star Chrissy McKaigue and Derry City FC’s Ryan McBride and Shane McEleney.
Country singer Bernie Maguire will swap her mic for the abseil rope.
Local men Chris Collins, Matthew Keys, John Henry and Andy Chapman have also signed up for the challenge.
The man behind the fundraiser is Liam Crawford from Foreglen.
Liam, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago, is a member of the Foyle branch of the charity.
He says since his diagnosis, the branch have offered him a lot of support.
“They are a very worthy charity,” said Liam.
“Any money raised from this event will go directly to the charity and they will use it to carry out research into the disease.”
Liam is no stranger to such fundraisers – over the last four years he has raised over £17,000 for the same charity by organising dances, table quizzes and an abseil.
“My aim is to try and raise as much money as possible as the Foyle branch does such good work,” he added.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.