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Regulars at the Mill Stone pub in Blackley had hoped to be cheering on drinking pal Tommy Gavin yesterday (Sunday) when he was due to go over the top at the Zeneca Hexagon Tower.

Now they will have to wait for Tommy to take the plunge on Sunday, October 8 after organisers of the spectacle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care postponed the event due to the fuel crisis.

Tommy, a 29-year-old dad, of Brynorme Road, Crumpsall, is to plunge 170ft to raise money to pay for the the 13 Marie Curie nurses operating across north Manchester.

Organisers hope the delay will provide a fund-raising bonus and give more people time to register for the event or commit to sponsoring the descent to involve dozens of people including staff at Wineways in Middleton Road.

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."