Abseilers tackled a 469 foot drop down the Guy's Hospital tower in Southwark on Sunday to raise money for international development charity Tzedek.

Tzedek director Dan Berelowitz and most of its staff were among those scaling down the tower, the tallest hospital building in the world. The 35 abseilers raised more than £13,000 for the charity, £3,000 above their target.

"It was just beautiful - the view over London was amazing," said Tzedek intern Hadassah Wachsmann. "My family was watching below."

Roger Rossano, 51, from Bournemouth signed up because he is an "adrenaline junkie. It was absolutely thrilling.

"I don't get nervous but it goes against every animal instinct which says stay away from heights. It was quite scary stepping over the barrier towards the edge before they put the second rope on.

"But they told me the ropes they give you can hold a Porsche and if they can do that, then they can hold me. It is also quite tiring and painful keeping your legs up in the air. But everybody did it at their own speed.

"This is the first time I've done anything for Tzedek," Mr Rossano added.

"I raised about £250 but I did the abseil with my daughter Amy, who is a teacher at Clore Shalom, and she raised much more."

The proceeds will fund skills training for Indian women.