A VOLUNTEER Community First Responder is seeking to raise funds for the service and address his worst fear – by abseiling down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

Alton’s Grant Usher will be taking on the challenge on April 25, and he is asking members of the public to sponsor him.

Community First Responders (CFR) are a group of volunteers who respond to emergency calls received by South Central Ambulance Service.

Volunteers only respond to emergencies in the area in which they live or work and they can often arrive at the scene before an ambulance gets there.

Mr Usher said: “By being able to start life-saving medical treatment earlier, CFRs really do help save more lives.”

Emergencies attended by Alton volunteers have included cardiac arrest, chest pains, strokes, choking, diabetic episodes, serious injuries – though not road traffic collisions, people suffering from breathing difficulties and seizures, and unconscious patients.

According to Mr Usher, while each new Community First Responder scheme costs around £3,000 to set up, there are ongoing costs.

He added: “All the equipment used by local CFRs is paid for through voluntary contributions.”

To support Grant Usher in his abseiling challenge visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grant-ush ecfr

To find out more about the work of Alton CFR visit www.scas.nhs.uk/our-services/communi ty-and-co-responders