An architect will aim high when he abseils down a Bradford church tower.

Mike Overton is planning to descend the All Saints church tower in Little Horton Green, the highest in Bradford, to raise £50,000 for three charities – the West Yorkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Rawdon, Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) and the church.

And for the 49-year-old church architect, of Ilkley, who has lived with MS for more than a decade, it is a chance to say thank you to the centre in Rawdon for its help as well as a way to raise much-needed funds. “I now wish to repay the kindness and healing that the MS therapy centre has given me and many others for many years,” he said.

“The centre is run entirely on charitable donations and the sheer hard work and selfless giving of so many volunteers.”

The YHCT is one of only a few charities which offers grants for improved disabled access to churches, while All Saints church is desperate for money to help carry out vital repairs to the spire.

The spire is 201ft high at its summit, although Mr Overton and seven other volunteers will be abseiling down from the tower, about two thirds of the way up, from 6.30pm next Thursday.

He can be sponsored via his fundraising page at justgiving.com/michael-overton.