Gateshead's 'roving' Ambassador Pat Riddell took the plunge on the 2nd of July by abseiling down the Malmaison Hotel on Newcastle's quayside.

Pat undertook this feat in aid of Education Action International - a charity providing teaching in the most deprived parts of the world.

Drama ensued halfway down when there was a breakdown in communications between the roof and the ground!
Luckily, Pat is one to look before leaping, so whilst stranded on a narrow ledge, she contemplated the following advice given to her prior to the event:

From her Pilates teacher:
"Banish all negative thoughts, take in the elements, breathe in the air, trust in those supporting you"

From her Probation Officer daughter:
"Remember, you have the choice, before you step over, you don't have to do it"

From an ex-soldier and fellow abseiler:
"You'll feel a better person when you get to the bottom"

From the man sending her down from the top:
"You're the person in charge, you control the rope"
"Don't look down..."

From the official (who talked Pat through on the ledge when she lost the rope and the support rope was far too slack) to the cheering crowd:
"She got down because she was good at following instructions"

Put together, Pat wonders whether these are good rules for life...!

Pat raised a substantial sum for EAI and we are glad to have her back on the ground.

Very well done!