A WEYMOUTH councillor took the plunge in a 200-foot abseil to help raise almost £2,000 for a domestic abuse charity.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Councillor Rachel Rogers, who represents Littlemoor, made the journey down into Bristol’s Avon Gorge in aid of Refuge, a national charity helping women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

She was joined on her mission by representatives from police forces and local councillors.

Coun Rogers, who works as a participation worker for Dorset Children’s Rights Service, said: “Hopefully, we managed to increase awareness and, of course, much-needed funds.

“I met a great bunch of people from diverse backgrounds but with a shared passion to reduce domestic abuse.

“I’m petrified of heights and 200-feet is a long way down but it was worth braving my fears to raise awareness of and money for such a worthy cause.

“We hoped to raise £600 so the current total of £1977 is beyond our wildest expectations.”

She added: “Domestic abuse is a very real issue in Dorset, as it is across the country.”

The event was the brainchild of domestic abuse officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary and has snowballed thanks to the power of social media site Twitter. @Running4Refuge is aiming to raise a total of £10, 000 for Refuge, the domestic abuse charity, through a series of sponsored events including not only #TeamAbseil but also marathons, a parachute jump, a world-record-breaking skate-a-thon and a charity golf tournament.

Coun Rogers added: “Given that we are currently hearing so many negative stories about social media, it is fantastic to be part of something that shows its positive face.”

The team’s fundraising total currently stands at nearly £2,000.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/theteamabseil. If affected by domestic abuse or know someone who is then contact Dorset Police’s specialist domestic abuse unit on 101, the Women’s Advice Line on 01305 262444 or one of the many agencies, like Refuge.

Visit www.justgiving.com/teams/Running4Refuge for information.