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Regional press news - this story published 26 November 2004

OAP's teach newsdesk man the ropes

by holdthefrontpage staff

A group of pensioners has faced the challenge of rock-climbing, abseiling, horse riding, sailing and camping on Exmoor... with a little help from Lichfield Mercury news editor Andy Kerr.

He joined the daredevils to help him overcome some of his own barriers, including a fear of heights.

Andy said: "New experiences and having fun are not the preserve of the young.

"The men and women showed me that pensioners can do infinitely more than merely enjoy the odd game of crown green bowls or dominoes.

"Their enthusiasm and determination as they threw themselves into the very physical activities was an inspiration and they, in turn, encouraged me to try."

No mean feat for Andy, who admits to 'not liking' heights very much.

But hand-in-hand with 66-year-old Joan Brown he tackled an abseil down a vertical face.

Grimaces turn to smiles as Joan Brown and Andy Kerr help each other down through the challenge.

Andy said: “I am not the adventurous type and standing with my back to the sheer drop made my legs feel like jelly. The instructor could plainly see my fear but was very patient.

"Just as the thought of ‘bottling out’ began to take over I grabbed Joan’s hand and said ‘we’ll do this together’.

"We both leaned back clinging tightly to the rope and began to make our descent. "No-one could say it was fast and there were no leaps in the manner of an SAS embassy raid but we made it and it felt marvellous.”

And when all four feet were on terra firma, he flung his arms around his new friend and enjoyed a high that lasted the rest of the day.

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