Man aged 102 to attempt record 17-storey abseil for nursing charity
RAF veteran Colin Bell says he will abseil down the side of the Royal London Hospital in aid of RCN Foundation and to honour dedication of nurses
A 102-year-old war veteran is preparing to beat a Guinness World Record by abseiling 17 storeys down a London hospital to raise money for a charity that supports nurses in need.
Colin Bell, who served in the RAF during World War II, said he wanted to undertake the challenge to recognise the ‘invaluable dedication’ of the nursing profession.
The retired flight lieutenant – who flew 50 operations over wartime Germany as part of the Light Night Striking Force – is to abseil down the side of the Royal London Hospital on 14 September.
He will step off the hospital’s helipad – the highest rooftop helipad in Europe – and make his way down the building in aid of the RCN Foundation and two other charities. He said: ‘I am glad to be doing something – quite frankly at my age, I am glad to be doing anything.’
In August he participated in a sponsored walk in aid of the same charities
The current world record was set by Doris Long in 2015, who at 101 years old abseiled down the 94 metre Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise money for her local hospice.
This is not the only fundraising feat Flt Lt Bell has tackled this year. In August he participated in a sponsored walk in aid of the same charities, visiting places related to his wartime role. He said it was a privilege to help support nurses, who deserved more recognition for their ‘outstanding’ work.
‘At 102, I’ve witnessed the invaluable dedication of nurses throughout my life. Their care and compassion have touched my heart, which is why I have committed to supporting the work of the RCN Foundation,’ he said.
‘Nurses across the UK give so much, and this is my way of making a difference to the lives of those who selflessly care for us all.’
The RCN Foundation is an independent charity that provides financial support to nurses and midwives experiencing hardship as well as grants for education and research.
Flt Lt Bell is also raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
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