HILARY ZIPS TO 70

THERE are a whole lot of ways pensioners choose to mark turning 70. Some celebrate with a family party while others mark the occasion with a special holiday.

Hilary Pascoe, right, had something a bit different in mind to mark her big day – she launched herself down the world’s fastest zipline at 100mph to raise money for charity.

The daredevil plunged headfirst over a quarry lake at Zip World Velocity in Bethesda on Friday, to raise cash for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Former civil servant Hilary – who turns 70 on May 12 – said: “I wanted to do something a bit different to mark my 70th birthday and raise some much-needed funds for The Wildlife Trust.

“I didn’t fancy going up Everest and I can’t run a marathon as I’ve had both of my knees replaced.

“So I thought I would take on the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest zipline in the world. A bit crazy – but that’s me.”

Hilary, from Bridgend, has been a member of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales for eight years.

A spokesman for the trust said they were “honoured that Hilary has decided to take on such an adrenalin-packed challenge in order to help the charity”.

Hilary said: “I first became interested in the work of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales when visiting Skomer Island. I fell in love with the puffins.

“I decided to raise some muchneeded funds to help them with their vital work.”

In the run-up to the challenge Hilary had already surpassed the £1,000 target she set herself. Many friends and family posted messages of support on her online fundraising page.

The Wildlife Trust of South and d West Wales manages Skomer and d Skokholm islands, as well as 85 na- ture reserves throughout Wales.

To support Hilary visit www.. j ustg i v i ng. c om/ f undraising/ / Hilary-Pascoe