94-Year-Old Becomes Oldest to Tackle World’s Fastest Zip Line
A 94-year-old Englishman, David Aris, took on the world’s fastest zip line to raise money for his local hospice care. David, a great-grandfather, lost his wife, June, to cancer five years ago. St John’s Hospice, which cared for June in her final months, also provided end-of-life care for a friend of David’s, Mr. Kilby.
David and Narelle, Mr. Kilby’s 70-year-old widow, visited Zip World in Penrhyn Quarry, Wales, where they rode the zip line, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h), to raise funds for the hospice.
“I’d heard of the zip line, but I didn’t consider it until Narelle suggested it,” David told the media. “When I called to book and mentioned I was 94, they said I was likely the oldest person to try it, and it turned out to be true!”
David described the experience as nerve-wracking but exhilarating, noting that the ride was over in less than a minute due to its speed.
David and Narelle have raised over £9,500 through JustGiving to support the hospice that helped them during a difficult time.