Camp Simcha’s CEO Daniel Gillis joined 36 thrill-seekers in scaling down the 170ft Trafford Palazzo tower in Manchester last weekend.

Leading by example while attempting to conquer his extreme fear of heights, Prestwich-born Daniel along with two Camp Simcha family members and the charity’s Manchester Services Coordinator Goldie Benedikt decided to take on this exhilarating sponsored challenge, which has raised over £15,400 so far.

Speaking after the abseil, a very relieved Daniel said: “To be honest, until a few hours before the start, I had managed to block this out of my mind!  Heights terrify me, so this really was a personal challenge, but it was one I was happy to take on for Camp Simcha.

“Day in day out we see or speak with parents and their children who have to overcome and conquer real challenges.  Drawing inspiration from these families was my motivation.

“It turned out the anticipation was worse than the abseil, which I actually quite enjoyed in the end – or maybe it was just the prospect of reaching the ground. Thank you to all those who sponsored me –  and I can safely say the next time I visit the Trafford Centre, it will most definitely be to go shopping!”

Also tackling the dizzy heights of the tower were Judy and Nechemiya Fagleman who took on the abseil challenge to fundraise for Camp Simcha who are supporting their family.

“I’m honestly not quite sure how I got nominated?  I thought it was just my husband but ‘somehow’ I was also signed up – much to amusement of the boys who loved watching mum and dad look totally terrified!  It was totally worth it to see their faces though!”

And even Camp Simcha’s Simi the Monkey mascot got in on the act, cheerleading the abseilers although he turned to be more chicken than monkey when it came to going over the top!