A scientist is about to see her research centre from a very different perspective when she scales down the outside from six storeys up.

Dr Marieke Peuscher is taking part in an abseil this weekend at the Francis Crick Institute in King’s Cross where she works to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Dr Peusher, 38, from Crouch End, carries out research into DNA repair and breast cancer. She’ll be taking the leap of faith with breast cancer survivor Alexandra King, from Eltham.

Marieke said: “I have abseiled before – but never from a building as high as the Crick! I’m dreading the moment we have to step over the railing. But I’m also looking forward to it because it will be a lot of fun.

“I’m doing it because I’m very aware of the need for funding for fundamental research. We wouldn’t be able to do our experiments or use all the high-tech equipment we need for our work if it wasn’t for public funding.”

The abseil, on March 17 and 18, is the second at the Crick. Last year’s event raised £46,000 and the charity is hoping to double that amount this year.

Ms King, 54, who underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2010 for breast cancer, now works with Cancer Research UK as a health awareness volunteer.

She said: “I know only too well how far research has come already and how much there is still to be done to create new, more effective and kinder treatments.

“I’ve seen the view from the roof of the Crick and going over the top is going to be a scary experience. But it will also be fun – and so worthwhile.

“The money participants raise will go towards research which might actually help save lives like mine.”

To sign up to take part in the abseil visit CRUK.org/CrickAbseil2018