Doris Long was a late bloomer in the abseiling world, starting off her career at 85 and discovering a late-in-life talent for the extraordinary. Since then, Doris, now 101, has abseiled down buildings nearly 20 times and is the current world record holder for ‘The Oldest Abseiler in The World’.
Doris’ penchant for a good abseil does not arise from a particularly fiery passion, instead she partakes in the risky business for charity. Raising money for The Rowans Hospice, a local UK charity, she has raised over $17,000 – and that’s just for this year.
The money she raises allows The Rowans Hospice to provide free care for patients with terminal illnesses who would otherwise not be able to afford treatment and care.
“I don’t feel afraid and never have, I just have a placid nature..” Doris told the BBC.
When asked what it feels like to abseil from a 328-foot tower she replied; “It was very hard work, much harder than last year, It was so windy I swung around a bit, but oh yes, I enjoyed it. I feel it’s well worth it.”
She plans to continue abseiling and raising money for the charity and is already looking forward to next year’s challenge.
