Kay jokes she was a bird in a former life as she prepares to abseil at the age of 85!
Abergavenny Chronicle - 13 February 2003
Kay Bradley is no ordinary gran. Instead of knitting woolly jumpers or cooking up delicious culinary delights, 85 year old Kay
is more of a thrill seeking dare-devil, writes Laura Pike.
The super gran, from Tre Elidyr, Llanover is preparing to take the plunge next month by taking part in a 100ft abseil from the
roof of the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. The plucky pensioner can`t wait adn she is doing it all in the name of charity.
"I am taking part to raise money for the National Kidney Research Fund in Wales," explained Kay.
"The charity is not very well known but it does so much wonderful work. I have relations who suffer from kidney problems and I wanted
to do something to help while I am still able to do so."
Over the next few weeks, the village of Llanover will not be able to rest in peace until Kay has raised as much money as possible.
"I am going to ask anyone I come across to sponsor me. Nobody will be safe!" she warned.
"I will take my form along to the womens institute as well so I hope that people will dig deep and help me raise a nice, generous total."
This won`t be the first time that Kay has lowered herself into the unknown. 3 Years ago she took part in a 40ft free-fall at the CIA
in Cardiff, raising £217 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
"My daughter is a Marie Curie nurse so, again, I wanted to do something to help," she said.
"I had such a marvellous sense of achievment afterwards. I am looking forward to next months abseil with mixed feelings.
I will be glad when it is over. The funny thing is that I am not scared of heights. I love them. I must have been a bird in my
former life," she laughed.
Despite her age, Kay believes in keeping fit and is determined to go ahead with the abseil despite criticism that she is too old.
"I want to do it and I am going to do it," she said.
"Some people think I am too old but I am fit, both phisically and mentally, so why shouldn`t I? I am not going to
tell my doctor about it until it`s all over though!"
The abseil takes place on Sunday March 23rd and anyone aged 12 or over can take part.
If Kay inspires you to take part or if you would like to make a donation to support her sponsorship, call Tom Irving on 01633 889407.
