Having recently joined Exeter Cathedral Chapter (in effect as a non executive director) I was open to being persuaded to support our Dean who has the vision, and courage, to rebuild part of the Cloister and to preserve this precious piece of Devon heritage for future generations, just as previous generations did for us.

What I did not quite envisage, was how persuasive Anne Eyre, whose late husband a former Dean, would be in that I should throw myself off the top of the 140ft or so North Tower to help fund raise!

There are many good causes to support, but conserving our history and inspiring a new audience has never been more important. The new structure will connect the Cathedral, Devon’s finest building that has the longest decorated vaulted ceiling in the world, with the 13th century Chapter House and Pearson Building. This will allow us to develop a Treasury to display many historical items that sadly go largely unseen and greatly enhance the experience of future visitors.

I hope you will give to this worthwhile cause and if nothing else, donate to watch me dangle from a rope!