Worried Lesley Shepherd plunged over the edge after months of spiralling debts made her life a misery.

But her decision to leap off a 150ft building was all in a good cause - to raise cash for the charity that helped her put her life back in order, Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

Mrs Shepherd, from East Bowling, was among several clients of the charity to join corporate donors in the abseiling stunt, which raised £15,500.

CAP helps people fight their way out of debt by working with them to set sensible budgets which prioritise food and essential bills, and by negotiating with their credit card companies.

Mrs Shepherd, 41, who had to overcome her fear of heights to perform the stunt, raised £1,000 in sponsorship.

"CAP has helped me so much that I wanted to give something back," she said. "I was so scared at the top, but now I feel great knowing that I have raised this money."

Mrs Shepherd's life completely changed after contacting CAP - her debt was making her worried and depressed.

"I was just not managing my money properly - there was more going out than coming in. I bottled it up and made myself ill with worry and depression. I knew I couldn't afford to pay the debts, and I used to hide them from my husband Neil and pretend everything was okay. It caused a lot of pain and arguing."

She added: "Now I am sticking to the budget I don't feel burdened any more. Neil and I have never been this content with each other and the other day he bought me some flowers for the first time."

Josie Barlow, from CAP, which is based in Bradford but has spread nationwide, said: "We have been overwhelmed that so many different people believe in our work that they are willing to do something so scary.

"We were especially pleased that our clients wanted to give something back, and also that local companies really got on board."

Staff from Bradford-based companies Sovereign Health Care, Mortgage Elimination Services and Clarkson & Co, as well as eight clients, took part. Richard Purnell, operations director of Mortgage Elimination Services, proved he wasn't a chicken - by dressing up as one and then 'flying' down the building.