A SURPRISE windfall of £650 has spurred on a group of dare-devils to do something that has never been done before in the Forest – abseil down Coleford clock tower.
Dennis Penfold, who is a patient at Coleford Health Centre, donated the amount after hearing what staff at the centre were doing to raise money for much-needed equipment.
Members of staff and the Coleford deputy mayor Nick Penny are all climbing the 53 foot landmark on May 16.
Jason Cooper said: "Our target was £650 to buy a phlebotomy chair but, thanks to the generosity of some Coleford-based businesses and a very generous donation from Dennis Penfold, we can be very brave and raise our target to £2,000 to try and buy an electronic examination bed too.
"We are extremely grateful to Mr Penfold for his donation – how good is that?
"We decided to all meet up before the actual abseil on Saturday, May 16 with everybody who is taking part as well as the main sponsors. The abseil is a very special event for Coleford as it's never been done before.
"Our first fundraiser is unbelievable and thanks to Coleford Town Council and Forest of Dean Adventure it's now become possible.
"Eventually we'd like one bed for each surgery room, but of course we'd like to raise as much as possible."
To donate visit http://www.friendsof">www.friendsof colefordhealthcentre.org.uk.