Parents from Meols, Wirral, took the plunge from the roof of the Royal Liverpool Hospital to buy play equipment for their local park

Oct 1 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Hoylake and West Kirby News

PARENTS took the plunge at the weekend to bring playtime back to Meols Park.

A 10-strong group of brave female members of the Friends of Meols Park braved a 200ft drop to abseil from the roof of the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

The volunteers included chairman of the group Esther McVey.

Determined residents formed the friends’ last autumn after the park’s slide and climbing frame were condemned and ripped up.

After months of fundraising, the group raised £6,700 for new play equipment, with a further £3,000 pledged by Wirral Council. The weekend abseil has so far brought in another £1,500.

Secretary Roy Shuttleworth said: “We’ve definitely got that amount and we’re hoping to get £2,000 out of it when all the sponsorship money comes in. A few of the group are scared of heights, but they all did it!”

The money will be used towards more equipment for the park – the first new piece, a “multi-play” unit – was installed in July.

For details on the group and how to donate, visit www.friendsofmeolspark.co.uk