Age Action, the national charity for older people will host “a thrilling walk” down the side of the 17-storey Clarion Hotel in Limerick. The adrenaline will be pumping on April 28 when the expert abseil team running the event set up on the roof of Ireland’s tallest hotel at Steamboat Quay. During the day the charity will try to break two Guinness World Records – for the oldest abseiler (currently held by a 97-year old in the US) and for the greatest number of people to abseil down a structure in one hour.
“People around Limerick will have seen fire-fighters abseiling down the building as part of training exercises and window cleaners on the outside of the Clarion,” abseil organiser Rhona O’Connor said. “But on April 28, thanks to sponsorship by Bluebird Care, members of the public will get a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure.”
Age Action organised its first abseil last year when almost 50 people abseiled down the Irish Life offices in Dublin city centre.
One of the oldest abseilers that day was pensioner Dave Henshaw (71), from Athy Co. Kildare.
“I have had a stroke, two hip operations, a heart attack, a by-pass and I have got a tumour and I thought ‘nothing can kill me if none of them have not killed me’” Dave said.
“I really enjoyed the abseil and would advise anyone to do it,” he urged.
To take part in this year’s abseil, participants must pay a €65 registration fee and then raise a minimum of €250 for Age Action. In return they will receive full training and equipment for the abseil.
Age Action is interested in getting clubs from the region to recruit abseilers.
“One of the options we are interested in is a joint venture between Age Action and your club where the sponsorship money raised is split 50/50 between both groups,” Rhona said. “If you are interested in this please contact us.”
Age Action urgently needs funds to enable it continue its work with older people. It currently provides computer training course, a home DIY and visitation service, an information service, lifelong learning groups and research and advocacy service for older people. Last year the charity directly helped over 30,000 older people.
To register, or for further information, contact Age Action fundraiser Rhona O’Connor at 01-4756989 or by emailing [email protected]
