With my 90th birthday approaching, when the Ryan MS Therapy Centre mentioned the possibility of abseiling the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park I thought, 'Why not'.
The Ryan MS Therapy Centre has been in my and my daughter Rilla's life for many years. Right from the initial idea of the charity's beginnings, renting space at Queen Mary's Hospital Carshalton to raising the funds to purchase their premises in Coulsdon and keep it going for the next 26 years, I have supported the charity in many ways and helping it to help people with multiple sclerosis like Rilla, to stay fit, healthy and live well with their condition. Knitting Easter Chicks has been fun but with the aforementioned 90th birthday on the horizon, I felt it was time to push the boundaries and take part in a new challenge - an abseil on 26th June will definitely tick that box!
Here at the charity we are very grateful to Hazel for tackling the dizzy heights of the Orbital, and abseiling the 80 metres back down to earth! The abseil was originally intended as an 88th birthday present from her family in 2020 but covid meant this had to be postponed until this year. Hazel is now chomping at the bit to 'scratch her abseil itch' . We really thank Hazel for raising funds for us in this way - she is truly an inspiration. Good luck, Hazel – it will be amazing!