Watch as daredevil gran, 91, tackles England's longest zip line
SWNS
2024-08-11
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A daredevil 91-year-old has proven age is no boundary by soaring through the skies on England's longest zip line.
Gwendolen Ackrill has wanted to tick another adrenaline-filled activity off her bucket list ever since she went parasailing ten years ago - at the age of 81.
So when she came across Hangloose Adventure, in Dartford, Kent, she knew she had to book a ride in.
On the day of her "maiden flight", Gwendolen was hoisted up to the platform in her wheelchair - which sits atop the 40ft Bluewater Cliffs.
The grandmother, who lives in supported housing in Staffordshire, was then launched off "like a bird" and whizzed down the 725m zip line at 60mph.
She landed safely at the other end alongside her son-in-law Nevil Eames, who she had convinced to join her.
Gwendolen's daughter Susan Eames was waiting anxiously for her to finish - having originally tried to talk her mother out of her plan.
Susan said: “I was very worried but the doctors said it was safe and it was up to her if she wanted to do it.
“I tried to talk her out of it for a long time but she wanted to go ahead with it.
“She does not have much fear. I was more worried for her than she was.
“At that age, what she has done is remarkable.
“It is inspiring I think for other, older people who maybe do not think they can do things like this anymore.
“If they feel they can, they can.”
On Hangloose Adventure's website, the company says that its 'Skywire' is "open to wheelchair users".
It says: "We open early (9am rather than 10am) for users with reduced mobility so you can have the site to yourself and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
"This is by request and there is no extra charge. If you have a carer, they can fly on the Skywire with you at no charge (they will need to bring their registered carrier ID)."
By completing the exhilarating ride, not only has Gwendolen ticked another item off her bucket list - but she has also raised more than £700 for Diabetes UK.
She chose the charity after members of her family were recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Gwendolen Ackrill has wanted to tick another adrenaline-filled activity off her bucket list ever since she went parasailing ten years ago - at the age of 81.
So when she came across Hangloose Adventure, in Dartford, Kent, she knew she had to book a ride in.
On the day of her "maiden flight", Gwendolen was hoisted up to the platform in her wheelchair - which sits atop the 40ft Bluewater Cliffs.
The grandmother, who lives in supported housing in Staffordshire, was then launched off "like a bird" and whizzed down the 725m zip line at 60mph.
She landed safely at the other end alongside her son-in-law Nevil Eames, who she had convinced to join her.
Gwendolen's daughter Susan Eames was waiting anxiously for her to finish - having originally tried to talk her mother out of her plan.
Susan said: “I was very worried but the doctors said it was safe and it was up to her if she wanted to do it.
“I tried to talk her out of it for a long time but she wanted to go ahead with it.
“She does not have much fear. I was more worried for her than she was.
“At that age, what she has done is remarkable.
“It is inspiring I think for other, older people who maybe do not think they can do things like this anymore.
“If they feel they can, they can.”
On Hangloose Adventure's website, the company says that its 'Skywire' is "open to wheelchair users".
It says: "We open early (9am rather than 10am) for users with reduced mobility so you can have the site to yourself and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
"This is by request and there is no extra charge. If you have a carer, they can fly on the Skywire with you at no charge (they will need to bring their registered carrier ID)."
By completing the exhilarating ride, not only has Gwendolen ticked another item off her bucket list - but she has also raised more than £700 for Diabetes UK.
She chose the charity after members of her family were recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
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