IT takes about five minute to climb the steps leading to the top of Newport’s Transporter Bridge, and just under one minute to abseil down, but when you’re waiting to take the 178 foot plunge of this iconic structure, time has a habit of standing still, as local fundraiser Lucy George found out the hard way on Saturday.

“I wasn’t nervous at all about abseiling off the bridge until I was climbing up the 278 steps leading to the top and that’s when the reality of what I was doing hit home.”

Yet it didn’t prevent the 14-year-old Raglan daredevil from throwing caution to the wind and taking the plunge in the name of her late grandfather Fred Jones.”

Lucy explained, “Three years ago I lost my Gramps to cancer. Thankfully he was able to spend his final days at home due to the amazing care and support of the St David’s Nurses, who are not only there for the patient but also to support the family during and after the illness.

“In memory of my Gramps and as a way of saying thank-you to St David’s Hospice Care, I decided to abseil off the bridge for charity.”

To date Lucy has raised £355 of a £100 target and the plucky youngster would like to thank everyone who has supported her along the way.

Lucy’s mother, Debbie George, told the Chronicle, “As soon as I saw Lucy in the harness I felt sick with nerves and very scared, It was an emotional experience to watch and my heart was in my mouth for a lot of the time, but we’re so very proud of what Lucy has achieved. It’s been really amazing.”

Although abseiling off Newport’s Transporter Bridge may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it seems Lucy has developed something of a taste for adrenaline fuelled adventures, and admits she plans to do something even scarier in the future.

“I love challenging myself, and abseiling off the bridge is just the beginning. Watch this space!”

Anyone who would like to donate to St David’s Hospice Care can do so at Lucy’s Just Giving Page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-George1