A GROUP of former school friends have overcome their fear of heights to help raise money for a brain tumour charity.

Selena Power, from Easter Compton, Kate Wigmore, from Severn Beach, and Sarah Dunn and Sue Shaul, from Thornbury, were recently lifted by crane to a height of around 105 feet before completing a daring 250 metre trip by zipwire across Ashton Court estate, in Bristol.

The four friends, who were all students at Marlwood School in Alveston, managed to raise more than £2,000 for Thornbury-based brain tumour charity Hammer Out by conquering their fears.

The friends were inspired to raise money for Hammer Out after Selena’s husband, Rob, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2007. Initially given just a few months to live, Rob now needs 24 hour nursing and care. "As a family, we were devastated when Rob was diagnosed at the age of just 40. If we can help Hammer Out prevent another family going through the nightmare of seeing someone they love with a terminal illness, it will be well worth the challenge," said Selena.

She added: "Both Kate and I are nervous of heights but concentrating on the money we could raise and the good use it would be put to by Hammer Out got us through. We’d like to thank everyone who contributed for their support."

As well as sponsorship, money was also collected on the friends’ behalf by local shops and businesses including Lippiatts store in Easter Compton, Olveston stores in Olveston and Essilor UK Ltd and the Barrel public house in Thornbury.

Tina Mitchell Skinner, who set up Hammer Out after her own husband Paul died aged just 37 from a fast-growing brain tumour in 2002, said: "We are grateful for every penny raised by supporters which allows us to continue our work caring and supporting those affected, campaigning for better patient care and research funding and raising awareness of the impact of the condition."

Anyone who would like to add to the amount raised by the friends can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/selena-power or by sending money directly to Hammer Out in Thornbury or via the charity’s website, www.hammerout.co.uk