An abseil to raise money for youth charity

SYDNEY councillor Christine Forster and her partner Virginia Edwards recently faced their fear of heights by abseiling down a 33 storey Sydney skyscraper, in order to raise money for young people with combined drug, alcohol and mental health issues to attend the Triple Care Farm rehab.

Forster, who is also Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s sister, said she raised almost $3000 in about two weeks leading up to the abseil, which happened on October 17.

The money raised will go towards the Sir David Martin Foundation, which runs the farm.

Forster said she was very happy to support the charity, especially since some of the kids they work with are LGBTI or questioning.

“LGBTI youngsters often have problems grappling with their sexuality, coming out,” she said.

“So that sometimes unfortunately leads to other problems such as depression, maybe drugs and what have you.

“Groups that like do such a good work for young people, I’m very happy to support them.”

When asked about the experience, Forster said the abseil was “terrifying”.

“Personally for me I suffer from a bit of vertigo so I’m not very good with heights,” she said.

“But to go to the top of the building, you have to climb over the barrier, and basically just inch yourself backwards until you’re leaning back in almost-horizontal position to the building, and all you’re hanging on to is a piece of rope.

“It was a pretty big challenge.”

As for Edwards, Forster recalled it was a more enjoyable experience for her.

“She loved it. She got to the 17th floor and her hands started hurting, so she just let go, and she just enjoyed it,” she said.

“But I have to say, there was absolutely no way in the wide world, was I ever going to let go of my rope. It took me about 10mins longer to get down.”