What a wonderful two days of abseiling down the iconic Bath Abbey tower on 13 and 14 June for our Leap of Faith! 2025; in bright sunshine and a few torrential downpours too. But spirits remained high throughout both days for all 98 abseilers. We had people aged from 12 to 83 years old facing their fears and taking on this adventurous challenge for Genesis Trust and for Bath Abbey.  

They started the session with Dave Talbot, the abseil master and his team inside the Abbey in the St Alphege Chapel. Often this was accompanied by beautiful music of the choirs, the organ and the lunchtime concerts on both days.  It was then time to be kitted up in a harness and helmet to set off to climb the 212 steps of the tower. A short stop first though for a bit of training on the lower roof of the Abbey. Finally at the top of the 49m tall tower each person summoned their courage when it was their turn to step forward to be clipped on to the ropes and then to take the first step over the edge. It is a great moment to have a photo taken – to smile though you might want to grimace! 

Everyone then abseiled down with great individual style. And the style was in the clothing too. We had Toby, one of the Bath Abbey staff, dressed in Regency costume; Stephanie from Radio Bath dressed as Tinkerbell; Emelie, Immy and Poppy of the Abbey’s Visitor Experience team with extra fairy wings to help them down and Tiggy from 9 Feet Tall wearing her wedding dress. 

We had teams of people from businesses, churches and other local organisations. One of the teams was from St John’s Foundation. Carolyn, who is 81 years old, has been resident at St John’s Foundation in central Bath for 12 years and is no stranger to adventure. 

“Two years ago, I had booked to do a zip wire with U3A for my birthday but had to postpone due to illness,” she said. “When I saw the charity abseil advertised, I immediately jumped at the chance to get involved!” 

More than just a personal milestone, Carolyn sees the event as a way to give back. She explained: “We’re doing this for a great local charity so it’s a brilliant cause. It also gives me the opportunity to give something back to the community.” 

Having already tackled the 212 steps to the top of Bath Abbey before, she knew what she was in for, descending the 160 feet of the tower, and said: “For me, it’s not the coming down I was worried about, it was the going up!”  

After completing the abseil, she summed up the experience in true adventurer spirit: “It was exciting, terrifying and very, very wet due to the torrential downpour!” 

None of this could have happened without the expert and considerate guidance of Dave Talbot and his team from Dave Talbot Adventure Events. We thank them for a safe, exciting, and fun abseil. The feedback has been so positive.

‘I felt like I was in very good hands’ and  ‘The professional team was fantastic and made it all the more enjoyable, so big thanks to all. Regards and thanks for a real adrenalin buzz and the splendid organisation!’

Thank you too to all who came along to support over the two days and to everyone who has sponsored the intrepid abseilers. At the time of publishing, the total raised is just over £30,000, which is to be shared between Genesis Trust and Bath Abbey. This will make such a difference to how Genesis Trust supports homeless and vulnerable people in Bath, the ongoing care of the Abbey church building and fabric, and how Bath Abbey supports our local community. We are so grateful for your support – thank you! If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to sponsor an abseiler and would like to, there is still time to donate. Donations can be made until 13th July by clicking this link: Genesis Trust Bath: Leap of Faith! 2025