A 90-year-old man has abseiled 100 metres down Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in a bid to raise funds for a cancer charity close to his heart.

Alan Cope, of Ramsey, was joined by his friend Paul Atkinson, of Onchan, for the abseil, and between them they expect to have raised about £5,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

Mr Cope, who was escorted on the trip by his partner Marion, said: ’I wanted to undertake this challenge for a few reasons.

’First, to become the oldest person ever to abseil down the cathedral and secondly, in memory of family and friends that both Marion and I have lost to the disease.

’Roy Castle was a favourite of mine, a great performer and gentleman who I saw perform many times and The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation carries out some truly wonderful work.

’In fact, the island is about to re-establish a support group for this charity. Both my father and Marion’s father died of lung cancer, along with our dear friend Pauline Quitmann.’

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the island.

Mr Cope said: ’This charity is the only one specifically dedicated to lung cancer research which is so important.’

Media interest in Mr Cope’s challenge saw the Liverpool Echo newspaper film his descent, while the Crown Plaza hotel in the city upgraded him to a suite when they heard of his efforts.

’People could not have been more helpful,’ he added.

’Friends and family all rallied around, Pauline’s husband gave us a large donation and we had further contributions from her friends too, so it was a real team effort.

’We even had a surprise visit on the day as some UK friends took a train from Northampton, while another friend in Liverpool travelled by taxi and the driver gave his fare as donation.

’Even our youngest grandson has coughed up!

’Now we have to finish collecting all the sponsorship money and we will be there.’

Mr Cope added: ’I can’t thank everyone enough, not to mention the number of businesses in the island which supported us, including Patricia Wild Opticians, ApeMann and Dovecote tea rooms.’

He also thanked the Steam Packet Company, which helped with travel costs, for its support.

Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’By his own admission, Alan is a fit and healthy 90-year-old who felt this was a special way to celebrate, while also raising the charity’s profile.

’He clearly has a sense of adventure and was so enthusiastic.’