VERTIGO suffer and Northern Echo reporter Richard Barker faced his greatest fear at the weekend to raise money for The Giving Tree Appeal.

He managed to overcome his nerves long enough to abseil 90ft from the roof of Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday.

Richard decided to brave his fear of heights in a bid to help The Giving Tree Appeal, organised by Darlington Borough Council's social services department and supported by The Northern Echo.

The appeal, in its fifth year, aims to make Christmas special for everyone in Darlington, by providing presents for families which cannot afford them.

This is done by inviting people to buy an extra gift to give to the appeal when they are out Christmas shopping.

The gifts can then be left at collection points at The Northern Echo's offices in Priestgate, Alpha Radio in the town, and the Asda stores in Darlington and Spennymoor, and distributed in time for Christmas by social services.

A variety of fundraising events are being organised for the appeal, including the launch night at the Mardi Gras nightclub on Friday, November 30.

Tickets are £2.50, including entry into a free prize draw. They are available from the Mardi Gras, The Northern Echo or Janet Robinson on (01325) 346841.

Money raised from Richard's abseil will go towards buying presents for the appeal. Anyone wanting to make a cash donation to the Giving Tree Appeal can contact Janet Robinson.

The abseil event on Sunday was organised to raise money for a Christmas trip to Lapland for youngsters with learning disabilities at Beaumont Hill Special School.

To make a donation towards the Lapland trip, contact Mick Moat on (01325) 388830