Shattered Allan Matthews ended a David Blaine-style charitychallenge and vowed 'never again'.

Gruelling - Alan Matthews during his 17-hour charity stint Picture: STEVE BRADING

The Ridgeons boss was left with sore feet after spending 17 gruelling hours stood on top of a 14ft tower at teh builder's merchants in Stanway in a fundraising bid for cancer care.

The stunt was inspired by magician David Blaine's epic 36 hours perched on top of a pole in Manhatten.

Mr Matthews, 37, said: "My feet are throbbing. The first seven hours flew by, then it dragged. It's done now and we've raised lots of money, but I wouldn't do it again."

He climbed to the top at midnight on Thursday and stayed until 5pm. "I could feel myself nodding off, but then the guys started arriving for work."

Passers-by also shouted encouargement - and added £300 to the fundraising bid.

Ridgeons gave £500 while neighbouring World of Beds gave £100.

The stunt is set to raise £1,400 for cancer relief.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

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