Victoria Holton was paralysed in a parachuting accident in 2002 and has since become a trustee of the Southern Spinal Injuries Unit (SSIT), which supports people with spinal cord injuries living in the southwest.

The abseil will take place at Lulworth Castle in Dorset on Sunday November 2.

All funds from the charity event will go towards SSIT.

The castle was built in the early 17th Century and provides the opportunity to abseil approximately 70ft down the tower.

Victoria Holton, a keen adventure sportswoman before sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2002, said: "The SSIT abseil is going to be a really exhilarating day for all those taking part.

"I can't think of a more perfect venue. We are hugely grateful to Mr and Mrs Weld for allowing us use of the castle and look forward to raising much needed funds for SSIT."

It is estimated that there are around 1000 cases of spinal cord injury in the UK each year and around 100 are treated at the Spinal Centre in Salisbury.

The effects of spinal cord injury are devastating. Most patients never walk again and the majority of those injured have limited function in their arms and little or no use of their hands.

The SSIT aims to positively impact on the quality of life of those living with spinal cord injury, assisting with the provision of equipment, enabling greater independence and participation in society again.

Registration costs £20 and participants (minimum age 14) are asked to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship to take part.

Full details of how to register are available via the SSIT website: www.ssit.org.uk

By Victoria Ashford