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Tommy by the Zeneca tower

Tommy, a 29-year-old dad, of Brynorme Road, Crumpsall, is to plunge 170ft from the top of the Zeneca Hexagon Tower to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Customers at the nearby Mill Stone pub, who will be sponsoring Tommy's abseil to help support the 13 Marie Curie nurses operating across north Manchester, will cheer him on.

Tommy, a construction worker, agreed to take up the challenge alongside his chum Dave Morris who has supported the charity since being impressed by the care provided for his father who died of cancer.

Marie Curie nurses care for cancer sufferers in their own homes to allow people to spend their final days with their families rather than die in a hospice or hospital.

Tommy said: "Dave's a good mate and when he asked me to do this I couldn't say no. We're going to race each other down and I'm betting him ?10 that I'll reach the bottom first.

"I've abseiled once before when I was forced to as part of a training course. It was very scary but when I got to the bottom, I wanted to go straight back and do it again.

"I'm sure I'll be nervous on the day but I'm looking forward to it. It's an exhilarating experience."