TWO award-wining charities will benefit from a KM-supported abseil to be staged at Fremlin Walk.

The Heart of Kent Hospice and KM Walking Bus will share the proceeds from a thrilling charity challenge that will test the mettle of the people of Kent.

A minimum of 50 people are needed to rise to the challenge and take part in the daunting task being staged at Fremlin Walk shopping area, Maidstone on Saturday, April 26.

Two abseil ropes will be fixed to the roof of the building in Earl Street enabling our brave participants to abseil 100ft down the sire of the building.

This is only the second time a sponsored event of this nature has been staged at Fremlin Walk by event promoters, the Kent Walking Bus Project.

Fremlin Walk is sponsoring the event and encouraging staff to sign up and take on the charity challenge. Additional sponsors are needed to make a donation of £650 to ensure the cost of the equipment and technical team is covered and ensure every penny of the sponsorship money raised by participants can go to charity.

To take part our brave participants must raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Heart of Kent Hospice, which will receive 70 per cent of the funds raised, and the children's road safety charity Kent Walking Bus Project, which will receive 30 per cent of sponsorship raised. Both charities are well respected and received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

To apply for a free event pack simply order it online at the Kent Charity Challenge section of the website www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk

The abseil is being organised on the day by Avalon Adventures which is the professional firm that has worked with the Walking Bus staging many successful events in Kent. As well as having qualified staff, many of whom are former servicemen, the firm has full public liability insurance.

Simon Dolby, KM Comunity and Charity Projects Manager said: "Having seen for myself the challenge facing the participants they will certainly have earned the backing and support of all those who sponsor them."

The Heart of Kent Hospice, which provides care free, requires £2.5 million a year to operate and serves 600 patients and their families, both within its buildings and in the community.

For information about the abseil or to sponsor the event call Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752.