A PETERSFIELD octogenarian is to abseil down the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth in aid of Hampshire air ambulance.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) service began in July 2007 and Phyllida Carr, of Pulens Crescent, has been a fundraiser for the charity for about ten years.
For her latest challenge on Saturday, June 16, she will abseil 100 metres down the 170m-high tower at Gunwharf Quays.
Phyllida said: ”I have never abseiled before, and I’m a bit nervous.
“I’m one of a group of about 30 people doing it and I hope I’m not the last one to go down.”
She began fundraising for the air ambulance helicopter after seeing a man suffering an allergic reaction to a wasp sting air lifted to hospital.
Phyllida said: “I volunteered to fundraise after that, soon after the air ambulance service began.
“I feel strongly it is worth supporting.”
Since its launch, the air ambulance has carried out 7,759 missions, 188 this year so far.
But to operate the green and yellow helicopter based at Thruxton car circuit near Andover, 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, costs £9,000 a day.
Phyllida said: “About nine years ago I raised around £1,300 through a sponsored charity parachute jump and I was remarkably relaxed about that, I’m not really scared of heights.”
She also does more mundane, but equally as valuable, fundraising.
She collects used stamps which are then sold, mans the air ambulance stand at outdoor events and represents the charity at local cheque presentations.
She added: “I would recommend volunteering to help the air ambulance to anyone.
“It’s a lifesaving service, and it’s a great team.”
To sponsor Phyllida, visit the webpage at: justgiving.com/Phyllida-carr.
To learn more about fundraising for the air ambulance and the service it provides, visit the website at: www.hiowaa.org