‘Fearless’ 101-year-old woman abseils down tower to set new world record

A “fearless” 101-year-old has set a world record by abseiling more than 300 feet down a tower.
Doris Long said she felt no fear as she broke her own previous world record for the oldest abseiler by descending down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
The pensioner, nicknamed Daring Doris, took up the challenge to raise money for the Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville.
Ms Long, who first abseiled at the age of 85, said: “I don’t feel afraid and never have, I just have a placid nature.”
The centenarian, who is 5ft tall and weighs eight stone, added: “I have a look down at the crowd, I am normally looking to see how the other person is getting on.”
Descent: Doris Long works her way down the tower (Picture: Steve Parsons/PA)Ms Long last performed the feat on her 100th birthday in May 2014.
She has been honoured with an MBE for her charity fundraising and previously abseiled alongside new Top Gear host Chris Evans.
The adventurous pensioner, who has a daughter, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, received cheers and applause from the crowds below, while a band played The Proclaimers’ hit I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) as she reached the bottom of the tower.
After the 308-foot abseil, she said: “It was very hard work, much harder than last year. It was so windy I swung about a bit but oh yes, I enjoyed it, I feel it’s well worth it.
“My legs ache like anything and my right arm where I hold the rope and my hair is all sticking out.”
Ms Long added that she was “living in hope” to be able to repeat the challenge next year when she will be 102.
She has raised more than £11,000 for the Rowans Hospice in more than a decade of fundraising.