Mayor takes fundraising efforts to new heights

Published: 29 September 2026

The Mayor and Mayoress, Christopher and Deborah Bailey, with cadet Elayna Johnson.
The Mayor and Mayoress, Christopher and Deborah Bailey, with their Cadet Elayna Johnson.

The first citizen of the borough is going to extreme lengths to support his chosen charities.

Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Christopher Bailey, is preparing to soar head-first along the world’s fastest and UK's longest zip line alongside his wife, Mayoress Deborah, to boost his fundraising efforts for Bradwell Bombers and the Tri Service and Veterans Support Centre.

The couple have signed up for the Velocity Challenge at Penrhyn Quarry, North Wales, on Thursday, 1 October. Riders can reach eye-watering speeds of more than 100mph across a one-mile span.

Anyone can sponsor the Mayor via his online donation page.

The Mayor said:

Being Mayor is about more than wearing the chains and attending civic events. It is about using the role to champion the people and organisations that make our borough such a special place.

 

So I’m swapping them for a harness and taking on the fastest zip line in the world. At the age of 73, I’m not entirely sure my family think this is my most sensible idea – but it is for two causes that are absolutely worth it!

 

Our Armed Forces veterans have served our country and deserve our support when they need it. And grassroots clubs like Bradwell Bombers give local youngsters somewhere positive to go, teach teamwork and discipline, and bring families and communities together.

 

Every pound raised will stay focused on supporting that important work. So if seeing your Mayor hurtling head-first 500 feet above a quarry lake at more than 100mph is worth a few quid, please dig deep and help me raise as much as possible for two fantastic local causes.”