BARNSLEY’S own daredevil Father Darren Percival took his fundraising exploits to new heights at the weekend.

St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth has been facing structural issues that are particularly affecting the west window masonry, roof and plastering.

It’s anticipated that around £750,000 is needed to fully restore the building to its glory - and Fr Darren has taken part in a series of fundraisers to help save the 19th century building.

Earlier this year he had his legs waxed for charity and raised £2,500 in the process.

But on Saturday he took on his biggest challenge yet in a bid to raise around £380,000 to repair the window.

He abseiled 101 metres down Liverpool Anglican Cathedral - taking his mission to new heights alongside Richard Brook.

He told the Chronicle: “Despite a forecast of storms, as we ascended 101 metres, the weather was calm and the scenery beautiful.

“Not so myself, I was looking a ghastly shade of grey and it took true grit and many prayers to set off, heels over the edge before bouncing a couple of times off the wall and descending safely to the ground.

“I was watched by 33 folk from Cudworth and Monk Bretton who travelled by coach.”

* Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser can do so by following a link to the Barnsley Chronicle website.