More than 50 brave people tackled an abseil from the top of a Bradford hotel in aid of the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal.

A mixture of the confident and not-so-confident descended from two points on the rooftop of the Jurys Inn on Saturday, with many battling wind and rain.

They were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd that gathered greeting every person who completed the challenge with a round of applause.

Organiser Victoria Collins said: “I am really pleased, everyone is super enthusiastic. Even people who are petrified of heights are doing it – including me!”

The abseil was run by the adventure unit from Bradford Council’s Sports and Leisure Service. Steve Wilkinson was part of the team. He said: “Everyone has been fantastic. People have been nervous, but once they get to the bottom they are saying it’s great.”

Students nurses Gemma Mitchell and Katy Dunn battled nerves as they prepared to tackle the challenge.

On her way down, Katy, 31, said: “It’s great – really liberating, but scary at the same time!”

The pair’s reason for doing the challenge was the work they have done around the district on placements.

A quartet from the Jurys Inn also took part. Duty manager Dan Taylor – wearing his work attire of shoes, trousers and shirt – led the fancy dress trio of Nikki Pickles, Vanessa Brennan and Vicky Ledgard.

Despite his footwear, Dan sailed down the building, while his colleagues were more apprehensive.

Lee Halstead, a chef at the university, offered words of encouragement as his terrified colleague Lee Connor started his descent.

“He has always been scared of heights,” said Mr Halstead, who also did the abseil. “He is doing brilliantly.”

Sarah Kitson, of the T&A advertising department, said: “Actually going over the top was scary. But coming down, it was quite fun!”

The T&A editorial team was represented by content editor Martin Heminway and reporter Chris Young.

The rain and wind kicked in as a nervous Chris started his descent, but both men completed the challenge in good time.

The abseil marked the start of Crocus Week during which schools, businesses, organisations and individuals will be fundraising for the appeal.