Diocesan News15 Jul 15

Bishop Good Scales New Heights for Charity

Bishop Ken Good was among a group of people who scaled the 15 metre high climbing wall at Londonderry’s new Foyle Arena to raise funds for the health charity Parkinson’s UK’s Foyle Branch.

The Bishop was one of three clergymen who undertook the abseiling challenge. He was joined by the Moderator of Derry and Donegal Presbytery, Revd Mark Shaw, who is minister of Strabane Presbyterian Church; the trio was completed by recently–ordained Roman Catholic priest Father Sean O’Donnell.

The climbers were strapped into safety harnesses fixed to ropes for their ascent. They were cheered and applauded by members and supporters of Foyle Branch Parkinson’s UK as they clambered up the wall and as they abseiled back to ground level.

Bishop Good said he found the experience ‘thrilling’ but, more importantly, was delighted to be able to help such a deserving charity.

It is estimated that one person in every 500 in the UK has Parkinson’s. ‘That’s around 127,000 people,’ the Bishop pointed out, ‘including hundreds in our diocese. Scientists are still battling to find a cure and obviously I wish them well with those efforts. While we wait for a cure, though, I am thankful that the Foyle Branch of Parkinson’s UK is around to provide support and friendship to those with the condition, their families and carers. I feel honoured to have been “challenged” to help raise funds for the local Branch and I’m deeply grateful to all who have sponsored the various climbers.’

The Foyle Arena, where the fund–raising event took place, was built at a cost of £12.7m and opened just over two months ago. It is a centre of excellence for a number of sports, including wall climbing, and boasts the only full–size international climbing wall in Northern Ireland.