ON A gloriously sunny Sunday last week, Mandy Blackler and her five brave friends abseiled the Spinnaker Tower to raise funds for The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Mandy Blackler, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2016, faces her fears with an annual challenge for the charity.

She said: "When I was first diagnosed, someone recommended The Wight Brainy Bunch and I went to their support group that very night.

"I wanted to know everything about it so I spoke to the founder, Mark Grimes, and I found him so helpful. I still go every week so I can provide the same help to others."

Last year, Mandy skydived out a plane and decided to tackle her fear of heights and vertigo once again by doing an abseil this year.

"I'd rather jump out a plane any day," said Mandy. "I did enjoy the abseil but stepping out onto the platform was utterly terrifying."

The Wight Brainy Bunch set up the charity to help families on the Island and raise funds for brain tumour research.

Mandy said: "I couldn't have managed without the support of this wonderful charity, and now I want to do everything I can to support them."

Kathryn Grimes, co-founder of The Wight Brainy Bunch, said: "We're so grateful for everything Mandy does and everyone who supports her and us."

Those interested can donate on Mandy's Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/abseiling-the-spinnaker-tower, or can support the charity by attending their upcoming events.

The Wight Brainy Bunch are hosting a For One Night Only ladies night on Saturday, July 14 and a Great Gatsby Gala on September 1.