Leaping off the Europa for students’ church

Tuesday May 1st 2007

It takes a brave man to step out off the roof of the Europa Hotel in Belfast – and several clergymen will prove their metal in sponsored abseil.

The event takes place on Saturday May 12, and among those taking part are the Venerable Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor, the Rev Paddy McGlinchey, chaplain at Queen’s University, and the Rt Rev Harold Millar, Bishop of Down and Dromore.

The abseil down the side of the city’s most famous hotel is a fundraising event to raise money for an extensive refurbishment which has been carried out to the Church and Oasis Cafe at the Church of Ireland Student Centre. It is hoped funds raised will cover the shortfall for the work.

Around 60 abseilers will be taking part along with the courageous clergy. A group, including the Bishop and Rev McGlinchey, will be doing the abseil between 8.30am and 9.15am while the rest of the group, including Archdeacon McBride, will be abseiling from 1.15pm.