A vicar from Dartford took the plunge and helped to raise more than £20k for charity at the KM Charity Challenge Abseil.

Organised each year by the Messenger’s charity department, it was the most successful abseil to date.

Fr Stephen Boyle was among a record number of 129 people who negotiated the 135ft drop on Sunday, raising funds for 27 good causes.

The abseil challenge was held at Miller House in Maidstone and sponsored by accountants DSH and scaffolding firm Island Scaffolding.

The biggest individual fundraiser was Chris Morgan who raised £1,572 for Sevenoaks Area Mind and earned a VIP two-day stay in a fisherman’s hut at Whitstable for his efforts.

The abseiler with the best fancy dress costume was Lara Lomax, from Medway, who dressed as Superwoman and took part for the Milly Moo Right Now Foundation.

Simon Dolby, from the KM Charity Team, said: “The day went incredibly well. It was a privilege to work with so many people passionate about their favourite good cause.”

Participants beating the drop on Sunday are eligible to try to earn a limited edition KM Brain and Brawn Challenge T-shirt and the chance to win extra prizes.

To qualify adrenaline junkies must take part in three different KM challenges in 2014.

The choices include one of the charity department’s three abseil challenges this year, one of four KM Big Quiz events, the KM Dragon Boat Race on the first Sunday in July, the KM Big Bike Ride, the annual KM Charity Walk or new KM Assault Course Challenge.

For more details view www.kmcharityteam.co.uk

Charities and good causes wanting to find out about teaming up with the KM Charity Team to support their fundraising should call Mr Dolby on 07989 164752.