More than 100 abseilers from across the county braved a death-defying drop to raise funds for charity.

Thirty charities and good causes will receive a slice of the £21,000 raised at the event, which was staged by the KM Charity Team as part of its support for the charitable sector.

The highest individual fundraiser was Lorna Woodage who raised £700 for Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for the Disabled. The group raising the most was Fran’s Freefallers from Maidstone who raised £5k for the Stroke Association. Clive Hudson, 71, was the oldest abseiler and supported the Motor Neurone Association in East Kent and 16-year-old Megan Rivers was the youngest participant, taking part for the Stroke Association.

Steve Elson impressed the crowds dressing as Spiderman. He abseiled for Tiger Paws, the Tiger Primary School PTA.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team created a video news report at the event: ” This is always an emotional event to be involved with. There are occasional pros who bounce down the wall at speed, but for most people stepping over the edge is a huge deal. The joy and relief at having completed such a personal challenge, tied to the fact participants are usually raising funds for a cause that really matters to them, creates a powerful mix of emotions.

Event partners included Wilkins Kennedy accountants, Housing and Care 21, Maidstone Scaffolding and Over the Edge Adventures. The event took place at the Housing and Care 21 property at Thomas Place, Maidstone.

The next KM Charity Challenge events include the KM Colour Run, KM Big Bike Ride, KM Charity Walk, KM Assault Course Challenge, Cornwallis It’s a Knockout Challenge and another abseil challenge due to be staged in November. To find out more visit www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk