DAREDEVIL Mel Rogers was 'thrown' off the Blorenge to raise money for charity in what he describes as the greatest experiences of his life.

Mr Rogers was sponsored to help fund a new counselling suite at 7 Corners Centre in Abergavenny. He was anxious at first and waited with bated breath all through August and September to do the jump.

But due to bad weather it was delayed until he received a phone call this month.

"You know when you frivolously agree to do something in the future that, because it is not tomorrow, seems to be a good idea? Well how does agreeing to be 'thrown' off of the Blorenge to raise money for charity rate in the annals of stupid ideas that you have stupidly agreed to in a moment of stupidity? For me it is pretty high on the list!

"I don't like heights and the thought of jumping off the Blorenge and then falling some 1570 ft (480 m) hanging by wires attached to a flimsy piece of material was hardly compensated by knowing that I would not be alone – thankfully Chris White, one of the country's best pilots – would be doing all the clever bits. All I had to do was hang on, literally."

Mr Rogers was told to "get your boots and warm clothing and don't forget your gloves because the sun is out and the wind is perfect."

He said, "Standing on top of the Blorenge on a beautiful clear day with the panoramic splendour of Monmouthshire beneath you somehow clarifies what a fantastic area we live in. In the distance the Brecon Beacons, Shropshire, Hereford, the Malvern Hills and the Severn Estuary framed this picture perfectly, but I was not there to take in the view and there were safety procedures to go through, a canopy to unpack from the rucksack and then unfold after which the connecting wires had to be laid out precisely. Chris then fitted me with the harness gear and clearly advised which bits could be used to hold on to. He then connected his harness to mine and we were ready to go.

"Even at this late stage the fickleness of the wind was still a master not easily controlled, but after abortive take offs from two different locations we eventually found the perfect position. Before there was time reconsider my options we were running towards the mountain edge and almost immediately flying – what a fantastic feeling. Chris pointed out landmarks as we descended but the feeling of flying freely and unaided by any mechanical contraption was in itself an experience difficult to share and one I would recommend to anyone. All too soon we approached the landing area in Castle Meadows and gently came down to earth to end what had started as a stupid idea and ended as one of the great experiences of my life.

"I almost feel guilty that it was a sponsored event organised by The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust to help fund the building of their new Counselling Suite at 7Corners Centre in Abergavenny.

"To all of you who have given generously, on behalf of the charity I say thank you for your support; to those who said they would be sponsors but have not yet given I say thank you in anticipation; for others who would like to help us, just call in to make any donation," he said.