By Isle of Wight Observer
Fifteen fund-raisers, aged from 14 to 85, braved a 100-metre (328 ft) abseil down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, raising more than £6,000 for Age UK Isle of Wight.
The challenge took place on Sunday, September 13, with five participants from Home Instead Isle of Wight, and five from Island Roads, joined by five individual fund-raisers.
As well as a father and daughter, who fund-raised together, the youngest participant, Charlotte, took on her first abseil just nine days after her 14th birthday, while 85-year-old Brenda, an Age UK Isle of Wight volunteer, was the oldest.
Brenda completed a fund-raising skydive for the charity last summer, and last abseiled around 60 years ago, from cliffs near Freshwater.
Maria Bunce, chief officer of Age UK Isle of Wight, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all 15 of our abseilers and to everyone who sponsored them.
“From Charlotte taking on her first abseil at 14 to Brenda returning to it at 85, there are some wonderful stories behind this event.”
Funds raised will support Age UK Isle of Wight’s work helping older Islanders, including companionship, practical help, information, and dementia support.