An abseil has been completed at an historic University of Oxford college to raise money for a hospice.

Twenty-six people abseiled down Exeter College Lodge Gate Tower, collectively raising more than £7,150 for Helen & Douglas House.

The abseil started with safety instructions given by an experienced instructor.

Each participant then took their turn to make the 20-metre descent down the tower which overlooks central Oxford.

One participant was Charlotte Barlow, a supporter of Helen & Douglas House, who raised £465 from the event.

She works at Oxford PV, leaders in perovskite solar technology, which chose Helen & Douglas House as their charity of the year following Ms Barlow's nomination.

Charlotte Barlow kissed a gargoyle on her way down to raise extra moneyCharlotte Barlow kissed a gargoyle on her way down to raise extra money (Image: Helen & Douglas House)

She said: "The abseil was an incredible experience.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for Helen & Douglas House, an amazing charity that has supported my family during their time of need.

"I’m glad to have been able to support such a great cause and look forward to raising more money for them throughout the year."

Exeter College's rich history stretches back hundreds of years and boasts alumni such as the author of the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, actor Richard Burton and designer William Morris.

Author Philip Pullman drew inspiration from Exeter for the fictional Jordan College, a setting in Mr Pullman's His Dark Materials series.

Exeter College steward, Philip Munday, said: "Exeter College has supported Helen & Douglas House for many years, including as a base runners before and after fun runs and the Oxford half-marathon.

"Helen & Douglas House is an amazing charity, providing support for local terminally ill children and their families which is absolutely wonderful and crucial.

"We are always happy to welcome people at Exeter and support Helen & Douglas House whenever we can.

"Exeter College was an ideal venue for the abseil, with its impressive tower and beautiful setting here in the centre of Oxford.

"The tower is one of the tallest around and if you’ve got a head for heights the views are outstanding.”

To donate to the abseiling challenge, visit the Helen & Douglas House website.

The hospice also has a skydive planned on August 18 and a firewalk on October 19, with the public able to sign up now.

Bex Shawsun from Helen & Douglas House said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to all our wonderful abseilers who took part.

"We are so pleased this was such a popular event and we are very grateful to Exeter College for allowing us to hold this event for the second year at their college."