Hanging around

I've not really thought too much about what the abseil will be like - which is just as well, because if I had I probably wouldn't have done it.

Nick and Georgina come with me to spur me on - or laugh, I'm not sure which. When we arrive at the Church Langley Water Tower the event is in full swing, and I register and hand over my sponsorship forms for verification.

Once inside the fence round the water tower, we're shown how to put on the hard hat and the belt and strap it round our legs. Then it's into the water tower, and up to the top.

Everyone I've spoken to who has done the abseil says that the going up is the worst bit, especially the ladders at the top, and they're right. The metal mesh staircase is bad enough, with all those holes, but as the tower narrows, they're superseded by three long metal ladders, each with a small safety platform below. I'm afraid at this point I become a total wuss, and let myself be roped up for the final climb up the ladders to the top. I'm particularly embarrassed, as the photographer has managed to climb up ahead of me unaided, with her heavy camera slung over her shoulders.

Out on the top of the water tower, the view is stunning, but I need to concentrate on the next bit of the task. At the edge, I need to get hooked up, then climb through the barriers onto the outside of the ledge. Then I need to turn round, stand on the little ledge just below the rim, then lie on the piece of carpet draped over the lip of the tower. I'm shown how to stop and start the descent by squeezing or releasing the rope - and it's off I go.

It's an amazing feeling, dangling in space, looking round and out - over the motorway, the sprawl of Church Langley, the yellow fields stretching into the distance. It's almost a shame to come down - and the descent is over all too quickly.

I collect my sponsorship forms and certificates, and find the refreshment stall for a well-earned cup of tea and piece of cherry cake, secure in the knowledge that I've raised about £400 for Harlow Stroke Support Group.