ENNISKILLEN man Sean Paul Curry will abseil down the Europa Hotel, Belfast in memory of his best friend’s father next month.

It’s almost a year since postman, Gerry Sheerin lost his battle with cancer.

His loss is as keenly felt now as it was then.

“When he passed away I saw how much it affected his family,” Sean Paul explains, “I’m very close with them. I have known the family for 15 years and they have always been very good to me. They have always treated me as if I was one of their own. So I wanted to do something in his memory.” He may be no stranger to abseiling, but that doesn’t mean Sean Paul’s latest fundraiser will be any less of a challenge.

“I wouldn’t say I’m an adrenaline junkie but I do enjoy that bit where you lean over the edge!” he says, “And I’m not afraid of heights when I’m attached to a rope! I know I will be safe enough.” The money raised from Sean Paul’s daredevil stunt will go towards Cancer Connect.

“I asked my friend what charity had supported her father and the rest of the family the most and straight away she said ‘Cancer Connect’. It’s nice to know you are doing something for a good cause. And I just think: ‘If you can do it, then why not?’.” Both his own family and Gerry’s family will be there on September 12 in Belfast to offer the Fermanagh man some moral support.

“It means there is no backing out when I get up there!” he jokes, “I’m not going to say I won’t suffer from stage fright on the day -- I won’t know until I am up there, “I suppose the key thing to remember is: ‘Don’t look down’!

“And I know I am doing it for a good cause so that will be my motivation if I do get nervous.” To date Sean Paul’s abseil to fondly remember the life of Gerry Sheerin has raised almost £270.

To donate to his fundraiser, go to: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/seanpaulscancerconnectabseil.