Plucky Patricia abseils at 80!

PATRICIA ABRAM

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

AGE is just a number for one Royton resident who plans to celebrate her 80th birthday...by abseiling down Rochdale town hall while raising funds for charity.

Fearless Patricia Abram, who turns 80 on Thursday next week, is out to prove she is not a "little old lady" when she tackles the town hall while also raising funds in aid of Dr Kershaw's Hospice this Friday.

Patricia, of Wetherby Drive, originally considered parachute jumping but thought it was a bit too far from the ground and decided that Rochdale Town Hall was just about right.

When she spoke to Rochdale Council about doing the abseil she was met with some apprehension over her age, "I think they had visions of a little old lady getting stuck halfway down the front of their building," she said.

However, she assured them that she was certainly not that and would be fine, despite having triple heart bypass surgery in 2005.

Patricia said: "It is the best thing I could think of to celebrate my 80th. I don't know how big the tower is but it is pretty big. It just seems to be impossible, because my head tells me I'm just 22.

"It is the first time I have done it, I'm hoping it will persuade older people to go out and do things and not sit around and wait to die."

She said: "I'm more excited than nervous, I am pretty sure they are going to take care of us. I am confident enough that everything will be ok.

"Later on in my life I have done more exciting things. I've tried to have as many adventures as possible in the latter part of my life, and this is another exciting one for me to try."

Speaking about Dr Kershaw's, Patricia said: "My younger sister had the use of this wonderful hospice in her last days, and the level of care, attention, warmth and love that was given to her had a truly massive impact on all of us.

"I can never truly express how grateful I am for their care, and I know my family feel the same. Dr Kershaw's Hospice provides a range of services to people within the community living with life-limiting illness, along with their families.

"They offer a friendly, calm and safe environment for everyone, patient and family alike. The medical care they offer is fantastic, but this is almost second to the invaluable warmth they offer."

Patricia added: "Whether it's a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or simply someone to sit with and share memories. They're a truly amazing organisation made up of dedicated staff and volunteers, and they really do rely on the support of all the community to continue their good work."

Those wishing to donate to Patricia's cause can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/patricia-abram.