101-year-old woman breaks world record by roping down one of Britain's tallest buildings

15:28, 16 July 2015

YEREVAN, JULY 16, ARMENPRESS: A 101-year-old woman has proved that age is just a number after breaking her own world record as the oldest abseiler. Armenpress reports, citing the Daily Mail that Doris Long once again conquered 560ft-high Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Britain's tallest building outside of London.

Wind and rain did not deter Ms Long, who has been honored with an MBE for her charity fundraising for a local charity.

Ms Long descended 310ft down the popular tourist attraction. She last performed the feat on her 100th birthday in May 2014.

The pensioner, nicknamed Daring Doris, who has previously abseiled alongside new Top Gear host Chris Evans, took up the challenge to raise money for the Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville.

Ms Long, who first abseiled at the age of 85, said: 'I don't feel afraid and never have, I just have a placid nature.'
The centenarian, who is 5ft tall and weighs eight stone, added: 'I have a look down at the crowd, I am normally looking to see how the other person is getting on.'

Ms Long, who has a daughter, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, received cheers and applause from the crowds below as a band played The Proclaimers' hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) as she reached the bottom of the tower.

After the abseil, she said: 'It was very hard work, much harder than last year. It was so windy I swung about a bit but oh yes, I enjoyed it, I feel it's well worth it.

'My legs ache like anything and my right arm where I hold the rope and my hair is all sticking out.'

Ms Long added that she was 'living in hope' to be able to repeat the challenge next year when she will be 102.

Mother-of-two Jennie Watson, 42, from Locks Heath, who completed the abseil earlier in the day, said: 'I am amazed, I think she's amazing, a real inspiration.

'You have to be quite agile to get the ropes down but it's the bravery more than anything. How she does it, I have no idea.'

Karen Kay, events fundraiser at the Rowans Hospice, said: 'Doris is an amazing lady and a huge inspiration. She has been abseiling for The Rowans Hospice for more than 10 years now and has raised over £11,000.

'We can't thank her enough for supporting local hospice care. Everyone at The Rowans Hospice wishes Doris all the best for this epic challenge.'

Ms Long, from Hayling Island, who hopes to raise £1,000, wrote on her JustGiving page: 'I first started abseiling at 85 years old and this will be my 16th abseil for the Hospice.

'The Rowans Hospice is my local hospice and all the care is given completely free of charge. Please help me to continue their wonderful care and support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.'

The tower opened to the public in October 2005 and forms a central part of the regeneration of Portmouth's quays.

The tower has three viewing platforms and a glass walkway where visitors can test their nerve.

Visitors can see the Isle of Wight and Southampton from the viewing platform.

101-year-old woman breaks world record by roping down one of Britain's tallest buildings | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency

101-year-old woman breaks world record by roping down one of Britain's tallest buildings

Copyright © 2024 ARMENPRESS

About agency