Former Royal Navy officer taking on giant zip-wire to celebrate his 93rd birthday
“I want to do all I can to help conquer the diseases which cause dementia.”
A former naval officer who abseiled down Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower for his 92nd birthday is preparing for his latest challenge.
Charles Wylie will take on the Brighton zip wire when he celebrates his 93rd birthday next month. But his adventure is about much more than marking another year.
Charles, who lives in Hampshire and describes himself as an adventurer and fundraiser, is taking on the challenge in support of his wife Jean, who has been living with Alzheimer's disease for more than 12 years.
The couple have been married for 67 years and have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren between them.
Commander Wylie is due to take to the zip wire in Brighton at 2pm on Saturday, September 5.
It will be the latest in a series of birthday challenges. For his 92nd birthday, Charles abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. The previous year, he rowed around Portsmouth Harbour in Oardacious, a transatlantic rowing boat. For his 90th birthday, Charles jumped out of a plane.
The challenge is aimed at raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease while also raising money for research into the condition. Charles hopes the funds raised will help support efforts to find a cure and prevent future generations from facing the impact of a dementia diagnosis.
Jean has lived with Alzheimer's for more than a decade and Charles has continued to take on increasingly daring challenges in her honour.
He said: “It is heart-breaking and has had a profound impact on family and friends. It feels like we are grieving for a loved one while they are still alive. I know new research will be too late for my Jean, but I want to do all I can to help conquer the diseases which cause dementia and find a cure for future generations.
“I’m told that anyone reaching the age of 80 has a 50 per cent chance of dementia. Is that you, or a loved one? It’s a horrible thought. Please be as generous as you feel you can be, and help to rid mankind of this terrible affliction.”
Charles has put his fearlessness down to his naval career, giving him the courage to face his fears.
To donate to Charles’ fundraiser, click this link.