As her time as Mayor of Launceston came to a close, Cllr Bailey wanted to give her two chosen organisations a boost. This was initially planned earlier in the year, but due to injury there was no choice but to postpone it.

She came up with the idea to abseil from Meldon Viaduct to help raise awareness of the two groups, Man Down and Launceston Youth Musical Theatre (LYMT), two causes close to her heart. She also wanted to promote the work of Connect Launceston, a group led by Launceston Town Council and working in collaboration with others from the community to connect Launceston back to the National Rail Network.

She said: "To choose which charities from the amazing number we have in our town was a difficult decision and I looked at supporting a Youth Project this year, as well as continuing to fundraise for a second year for Man Down Launceston."

Man Down Launceston, meeting fortnightly in the Orchard Centre, is a group that encourages men to talk and support each other. The organisation is growing throughout Cornwall and is spreading across the country. Cllr Bailey said: "Men talking to each other is saving lives, listening and kindness, knowing you are not alone makes a difference."

Her second organisation of choice was Launceston Youth Musical Theatre, which works with young people aged 8 to 18 to help them pursue the arts, while developing their confidence, skills and talent through performance. The group is led by Amy Hodgson and Sarah Bradley, who have 'boundless energy, talent and patience'. Cllr Bailey added: "The young people have such talent; everyone is included, encouraged and feels involved at every point of any performance. Shrek, Disney and Legally Blonde, such professional performances which could have been staged in the Theatre Royal - a true privilege to watch."

Cllr Bailey admits that the abseil took her 'to the edge of my scared zone', but has since felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. She said: "The abseil was exhilarating, took me to the edge of my scared zone. Stepping off the viaduct when my brain was saying, 'No don’t do it', was one of the greatest challenges I have faced, but wow it was worth it. The view, the sense of achievement and spectacular support form everyone who sponsored me made me so grateful to have the opportunity. My friend Daniel Brewer came along to support me and raised funds for Launceston Community Development Trust. He said yes when I asked and I am sure he was in shock when I messaged with the date and time. I have to say a huge thank you to him for being the best support anyone could ask for in a scary situation."

And a final note on her time as Mayor: "During the two year term of Mayor I have met some extraordinary people, who make a difference to so many by volunteering, by saying yes when asked to help and have made so many new friends both here in town and around the county. I have had the honour to attend some inspirational events and learn about so many projects supporting our residents. Thank you to every resident for making our town the best in Cornwall and for your continued support of the Town Council, our organisations and groups and our incredible independent businesses. Our ancient capital continues to be fabulous."

We're sure you will join us in saying a big THANK YOU to Cllr Bailey for being such a passionate and dedicated Mayor of Launceston over the last two terms.

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