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Doris LongElderly British woman passionate about mountaineering
Country:
 Great Britain |
Biography of Doris Long
Doris Long, a British elderly woman with a passion for abseiling, has set a crazy record in abseiling. At the age of 101, she became the oldest record holder in the world for descending from a height of 94 meters, from the 'Spinnaker Tower' in Portsmouth, Hampshire. This daring feat was undertaken to raise funds for a local hospice.
Doris, affectionately known as 'Daring Doris', stated that she did not feel any fear during her descent from the 94-meter tower, despite the windy and rainy conditions. Her courage and determination earned her the honor of being a Dame of the British Empire for her charitable fundraising efforts.
This was not Doris's first foray into abseiling. She had previously practiced the sport alongside British TV presenter Chris Evans. Now, at the age of 101, she once again took on the challenge to raise funds for the Rowans hospice in Waterlooville.
Doris, who began her adventures in mountaineering at the age of 85, explains her desire for an active lifestyle by saying, "I have never felt fear. I am just calm." Standing at a height of 1.52 meters and weighing less than 51 kg, she adds, "I was able to look down on the crowd. Usually, I have to watch others crawling."
After her latest descent, Doris exclaimed, "It was a very challenging task. It was much more difficult than last year. It was windy, and I got a bit dizzy, but of course, I enjoyed it. The feeling that it was all worth it."
Despite the physical toll, with her legs and right arm aching from holding the rope, and her hair standing on end, Doris declared that she will live in hope of repeating the challenge when she turns 102.
Jenny Watson, a 42-year-old mother of two from Fareham, Hampshire, who completed the abseil just before Doris, praised her as a true inspiration. She said, "I think Doris is just amazing. You have to be flexible to abseil, but above all, you need bravery. I don't know how she does it."
Karen Kay, the organizer of the fundraising campaign for the Rowans hospice, expressed her admiration for Doris. She said, "Doris is an incredible woman who inspires others to take on challenges. She has been abseiling for Rowans for over ten years, raising over £11,000. We are incredibly grateful for her significant support in helping those who suffer from incurable illnesses. Everyone at Rowans wishes Doris the best in completing her epic challenge."
Doris, who resides on Hayling Island, has dedicated her abseiling adventures to support the Rowans hospice. On her fundraising webpage, she wrote, "I first tried abseiling at the age of 85. This will be my sixteenth charity outing for the hospice. The Rowans hospice is in my local area and provides free assistance. Please help me support the amazing work of the hospice and help patients with incurable diseases and their families."
