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Community's salute to Daredevil Doris
An elderly Guinness World Record holder is to receive a special honour from a hospice.
Doris Long – known as Daring Doris – holds the world record for being the oldest person to abseil down a building at the amazing age of 95.
Mrs Long, of Coronation Road, Hayling Island, has completed 15 abseils and five of them have been in aid of one of her favourite charities – The Rowans Hospice, in Purbrook.
At the hospice's annual summer fete this Sunday, Councillor Jackie Branson, Mayor of Havant, will present Doris with an award for her awesome feats.
Ali George, from The Rowans, said: 'Doris did her first abseil for us in 2006 and she makes such a challenge look easy but I can tell you it isn't.
'She has raised a fantastic 3,000 for us but what is more is that she has raised our profile worldwide.
'People are so interested in her that the news has travelled globally and we've even received a donation of 10 from New Zealand because they heard about Doris.'
Doris's most recent challenge was on May 23, when she abseiled 70ft down the Civic Offices in Guildhall Square in Portsmouth.
And she has officially entered the record books again after it was verified by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Terry Hall.
There will be more than 40 stalls at the fete along with a coconut shy, welly boot throwing, Deal or No Deal, a human fruit machine and tombola.
Mrs George added: 'The hospice's fete is always a great afternoon out – there's no need to stay home and cook lunch as you can sit and enjoy a hog roast or burger, including a veggie option.
'There's ice cream or home-made cake to follow whilst watching the dancing and displays in the arena.
'It's a really beautiful setting and there are so many amazing stalls to tempt you to spend pocket money and support your local hospice.'
People will also have the chance to look at vintage vehicles and birds of prey, with face painting and a bouncy slide for children.
The event will take place on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm on Purbrook Heath, opposite the hospice.
NEVER TOO OLD
Doris Long was presented with a Guinness World Records certificate by TV presenter Esther Rantzen at The News We Can Do It Awards in 2006.
She has led an exciting life and her devotion to caring for animals earned her an MBE in 1984.
She says the secret to her longevity is an active lifestyle and no drinking or smoking.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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