LOVEBIRDS Stephanie Goulden and Wayne Hester (pictured) will be reaching new heights of passion this Valentine's Day.

The daredevil couple are going to make a giant leap of love and abseil down Blackburn Fire Station's drill tower to raise money for charity.

The challenge will be no mean feat for Stephanie, 26, as she is absolutely terrified of heights.

And former soldier Wayne, 28, will be battling through the pain barrier himself to help Stephanie conquer her fear as he suffers from a painful spinal problem.

Stephanie, of Knuzden Brook, said: "I am absolutely petrified of heights. I won't even go on fairground rides. I once plucked up the courage to go on the Big One at Blackpool and I was nearly sick - I just screamed all the way round."

But ironically it was Stephanie's idea to enter Marie Curie Cancer Care's St Valentine's abseil challenge.

She said: "With Wayne having been in the Army, every time something like abseiling comes on TV he always goes on about how he's done it. So when I saw the advert for the abseil in the paper it was a spur of the moment thing and I rang up but didn't get through.

"But I told my mum and she rang and put our names down. I can't believe I've agreed to do it. I feel sick every time I think about it. But we have raised more than £250 in sponsorship for the charity so I can't back out now."

The couple's 10-year-old son Ben can't believe that his mum and dad are going to leap from the tower in the name of love and charity. He will be among the crowd of well-wishers cheering them on.

Stephanie said: "All my friends and family are coming to watch us, as they think I'll chicken out.

"Wayne and me have been together since we were at school and every year we do something really special for Valentine's Day. Last year Wayne got me an engagement ring and flowers delivered to work.

"This year he won't have to buy me anything as we will be abseiling from the top of the tower together. Knowing him he'll do an SAS descent and I'll be terrified, stuck at the top."

There are still some spare places left on the charity abseil which takes place next Saturday.

For more details contact Sam at Marie Curie Cancer Care on 01257 450555.

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