Keynsham Gran Takes on World’s Fastest Zipwire for 90th Birthday
Vivian Ellis, a 90-year-old gran, is set to zip through Snowdonia for charity
Vivian Ellis, Keynsham, UK, Zipwire, Charity, Children’s Hospice South West
Keynsham: Vivian Ellis, a fearless grandmother, is gearing up to tackle the world’s fastest zipwire for her 90th birthday. She’s not doing it alone; seven family members and friends will join her in this thrilling adventure to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. Can you believe she’ll be flying through the air at speeds of up to 100mph on the 1.5-kilometer Velocity Zip Wire in Snowdonia?
Vivian, a great-grandmother of two, is aiming to raise £5,000 with her team, which includes her granddaughter Becky. They’re all set to take on this challenge in May, and it sounds like a blast!
She’s totally unfazed by the whole thing, saying, “I’m not nervous at all. I like a bit of speed and I’m looking forward to the adrenaline rush.” What a way to celebrate turning 90 while supporting a fantastic cause!
This isn’t Vivian’s first rodeo when it comes to thrills. She was once a world champion in sand yachting! Her journey into that sport began when her husband Geoff took it up. They were introduced to it by a friend’s son, and soon enough, Vivian was itching to join in on the fun.
She remembers telling Geoff, “I had become bored just watching. I wasn’t going to go with him to any more competitions unless I could have a go myself.” And boy, did she make the most of it! She got her own sand yacht and even won a race in a European championship.
Her passion led her to become the World Champion in the Class 3 Ladies’ Competition back in 1984. “It was such a thrill,” she said. “The yachts can travel at speeds of up to 80mph – and there’s no brakes!” After retiring from sand yachting in 1985, she ran The Crown Inn in Keynsham with Geoff until he passed away.
But Vivian’s not just about zip wires and sand yachts. She’s done plenty of charity work, too. In her early 80s, she abseiled down Bristol Children’s Hospital to raise money for a dialysis machine and even ran the Bristol Half Marathon 15 years ago, raising £6,000 for the same charity.
At 90, she still plays golf twice a week and enjoys a glass of wine or two in the evenings. Heidi Roberts, a fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, said, “Viv is such an inspiring lady and so full of fun. Every time we chat, I feel uplifted by her positive attitude and passion to help.”
If Vivian’s story inspires you, check out the challenges for 2025 on CHSW.org.uk. Wishing her and her team all the best with their fundraising adventure!
Vivian and her team can be sponsored here.