A priest performed a dangerous tight-rope stunt with no safety equipment 80ft above ground after a last minute hitch in plans for his charity fundraiser. Father Jerome Lloyd was supposed to be carried along the rope on the back of a circus performer in scenes reminiscent of Frenchman Charles Blondin in 1859. Blondin made it across a high-wire suspended 160ft above the Niagara Falls with his manager on his back. Unfortunately, Father Lloyd’s stunt had to be adapted at the last minute after professional tight-rope walker Chico Marinhos was unable to lift the 12.5st priest. Father Lloyd, 43, a missionary priest from the National Catholic Apostolic Church, carried out the stunt wearing his traditional soutane and saturno. He was raising money for the Sussex Beacon charity, which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV.
