AN ABSEIL off the i360 on Tuesday raised more than £15,000 for a charity that provides crucial support for armed forces veterans.

The event took place on Brighton seafront and saw 32 people take on the challenge with the support of their family and friends at the bottom.

The 162-metre descent was taken on by a host of local businesses who wanted to raise money towards Care for Veterans in Worthing, with the figure standing at £15,175 so far.

The Argus: 32 people took on the terrifying challenge.32 people took on the terrifying challenge.

James Bacharew, head of fundraising and marketing at Care for Veterans, was one of those supporting the brave abseilers from ground level.

He said: “It was a beautiful evening in Brighton. The evening went seamlessly. There was a huge buzz from people to be out and experience something new and tick something off their bucket list after what has been quite a confined 24 months.

The Argus: Abseilers putting on a brave face.Abseilers putting on a brave face.

“We just managed to get past £15,000 which beat the target of £10,000 so they’ve all absolutely smashed that.”

The group ranged from ex-soldiers to people who had never abseiled before in an evening full of “nerves but high spirits”.

James said: “We had a mix of ex-military, who were used to doing abseils out of helicopters, and some individuals who were there for the fun of it and to tick it off their bucket list.

“So we had a great mixture of people, backgrounds and experiences. Even our very own Christine came out of the pod last and managed to get herself down to the ground.”

The money raised will help the 60-bed facility to carry on with their award winning care for former soldiers.

The Argus: The first group before their abseil.The first group before their abseil.

Care for Veterans had the help of Wire and Sky, the company that run the abseil, who got everyone down safely.

Paul Britton, director at Britton and Time Solicitors, said he did not find it too scary but it was great to raise money for a good cause.

He added: “One of our team didn’t like it too much, Joe has a fear of heights but he overcame his fear to raise money for the charity.”

Care for Veterans look after veterans of all ages, with their current residents ranging from 34 to 96 years old.

Much of the work involves caring for people with brain injuries or degenerative neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s.

The charity offer short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, as well as award winning end-of-life palliative care.