Rustington grandmother will abseil down Arundel Castle for Chestnut Tree House

Seventy-six-year-old grandmother Carol Price from Rustington will be abseiling 180ft down Arundel Castle’s Bakehouse Tower this March to raise money for children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House.

“My eldest daughter died of congenital heart disease at 15 months, and my eldest grandson, Ben, was diagnosed with cancer just after his third birthday and again at 21,” says Carol. “I think that’s why I feel such a connection with Chestnut Tree House.”

“What initially inspired my fundraising was coming to Chestnut Tree House with my grandson, Ben, in 2004 after his cancer treatment. I was so inspired by what I saw.”

Carol has supported the charity for 20 years – first by donating money herself, then fundraising by hosting afternoon teas, Christmas coffee mornings and collecting outside a supermarket.

“After years of being a mother, caring for my elderly parents, and my late husband, I feel liberated,” says Carol. “I want to make the most of what’s left of my life before I become too frail to take on different challenges.”

Carol has never abseiled before but is preparing by watching videos on YouTube. She also plans to go with her daughter to Out of Bounds for a test run on their climbing wall. “Some folk might be wondering what I’m thinking of at my age, but my motto is you only get out of life what you put in!” she says.

“Age shouldn’t be a barrier to taking on new challenges,” says Carol. “Naturally, I have some nerves about attempting something I’ve never done before, but then I remind myself that I will be harnessed up, so I just need to enjoy the moment.

“As well as raising money for an amazing charity, I want to put my faith in myself and make things happen, regardless of how old I am!”