Kent Messenger editor Bob Bounds took part in a mass abseil down a 70ft building to help his paper smash a £35,000 appeal target for a children's cancer unit.
Bounds was one of 60 to take part in the abseil, just one of many events encouraged and publicised by the paper.
Since the Messenger launched its appeal, readers have helped raise a total of £37,693, and more money is still being raised.
Bounds said: "We are delighted to have reached our target in such a short space of time.
"It is a great achievement for everyone who has organised events, challenges and donated money."
The appeal was launched with the charity CLIC Sargent, and the abseil in Canterbury city centre attracted 60 people, who had all pledged to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship.
The abseil contributed £8,844 to the appeal.
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