Support our Daring Descent
30 Abseilers are braving the heights in support of Guildford Cathedral – can you support them?
On 14 June, a team of 30 abseilers will be climbing 249 steps up the Cathedral tower before taking the weight off their feet and abseiling 160ft down the side. Each abseiler has their own reason for abseiling, but all are doing it in support of Guildford Cathedral. The abseilers are split into two teams, Team Heritage and Team Music.
Money raised by Team Heritage will:
- Assist in maintaining the fabric and repairs of the building.
- Help make heavenly worship accessible to all.
- Help sustain our outstanding choral tradition, filling the building with music.
- Enable us to provide more community events such as tower tours, concerts, and comfortable spaces to enjoy throughout the seasons
Money raised by Team Music will:
🎵 Keep choral music alive at Guildford Cathedral
🎤 Inspire young singers & composers
🎼 Maintain a world-class musical tradition
We are delighted that Bishop Andrew has volunteered to Abseil. He will be splitting his proceeds between two causes, the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Community Fund.
If you would like to donate, head to our Enthuse page to support #TeamHeritage to support the building and its community works, or #TeamMusic to support the world-class music of the Ctahedral that aims to inspire future generations of musicians. If you would like to text to donate, text BRAVE to 70560.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Contact Nicola or Karen in the Fundraising Team via fundraising@guildford-cathedral.org if you would like to send a cheque in or have a conversation about how you can support the Cathedral.
Telephone | 01483 547884
Meet the Abseilers
Keep reading to find out about some of our abseilers and why they are braving the heights
Diocese of Guildford Team:
Bishop Andrew
I don’t have the greatest head for heights, but am looking forward to the Daring Descent as a way of highlighting two great causes which I support every month: the Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund (which helps our churches reach out into the most deprived parts of their communities) and our beloved Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit
Geraldine
In January 2023 I joined the team at Church House Guildford working for the Diocese of Guildford. Since then I have been privileged to work alongside Diocesan and Cathedral colleagues. In 2024 I was made an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral and in Spring 2025 the Diocesan offices will move to the Cathedral site.
This seemed a good time to undertake this challenge and help the Cathedral raise much needed funds for its ongoing work. Please sponsor me if you can. I don't have the greatest head for heights so this is a personal challenge for me.
Liz
I started working for the Diocese of Guildford a couple of years ago and completed my first Leap of Faith in May 2023. Not put off by this I am taking on the Daring Descent this year to raise funds for the cathedral and in memory of my family who played a part in the 1950s in fundraising for the building of the cathedral in the 'Buy A Brick' campaign. Work stopped on building the cathedral during WW2 and little progress was made in the 10 years after due to shortage of money and building materials but through the generosity of those like members of my family who gave a brick construction was able to start on the Nave in 1955. To mark this milestone a Great Pilgrammage was organised in April 1955 through Guildford to the cathedral site on Stag Hill. This involved representatives from all the parishes in the Diocese including my home parish of Capel and Ockley which my mum and other family members took part in. 70 years on I am continuing their fundraising efforts in a different way to help maintain the cathedral building they helped to be built.
A family affair
Sheila
My name is Sheila Taylor and I am 69 years old. I am taking part because I wish to support the Cathedral and I like having fun with members of my family with 2 daughters also taking part.
Karen
As the Fundraising Officer at Guildford Cathedral, I wanted to do my bit to support this fantastic community. I’ve worked here for five years and regularly volunteer, so I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work this team does — from welcoming pilgrims and tourists, to offering free activities for families, and providing shelter and comfort to those in need. I’m proud to be part of it all and want to help ensure it continues to flourish. Abseiling again is both terrifying and exhilarating. And to be joined by my mum and sister just adds to the memory.
Keep watching as we introduce more of our abseilers in the run up to the big day!
Every donation small or large makes a difference.
A Heartfelt Thank You For Your Support