Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Naveeda Ikram joined 60 fundraising thrill seekers as she abseiled down the Culture Fusion youth centre today to raise money for her charity appeal.

Teams from Bradford sea cadets, the Bradford Cathedral choir and MP for Bradford East David Ward took part in the annual sponsored abseil.

They joined hotel managers, members of the Destination Bradford partnership, residents of Bradford’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit Jabez Hall and a team from Bowman Riley Architects who designed the youth centre, in Thornton Road.

Now in its ninth year, the event, which has moved from the Bradford Central Library, raises money for the Lord Mayor of Bradford’s appeal – this year it is supporting Bradford’s Marie Curie Hospice.

The Lord Mayor had to overcome a fear of heights to take part in the challenge.

She said: “I was a bit apprehensive, it was my first time. It was much more fun than I thought, I really enjoyed it. I’m up for it again. It’s a fantastic way to raise money.

“All those that haven’t done it should try it. Everyone who has, I’m sure will be back.

“There’s lots of people coming out to support it, it’s great. I’ll be back next year.”

Mr Ward has completed the abseil every year since it began, apart from last year when it coincided with the London Marathon.

He said: “It’s my nominated charity since I’ve become an MP because the hospice is in my constituency.

“I always try to raise funds for Marie Curie, I really didn’t want to miss it.”

The youngest participant to sign up was nine-year-old Elisha King and the oldest was 76-year-old Arthur James.

Julie Holmes, 51, of Thornton, said she wanted to support the appeal because her father Jack had been supported by Marie Curie.

She said: “It was scary, it’s the first time I’ve done anything like that but it is for a good cause and that is why I did it.

“I’m thinking of friends and family today. My dad was looked after by the charity, they did a fantastic job.”