14 Sep 2023
On 14 September 2023, Former Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell (DFC AE FRICS), aged 102, became the ‘oldest-ever participant in an abseil’ when he descended 280ft down the side of The Royal London Hospital.
Colin partook in the thrilling challenge event to raise vital funds for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, our life-saving service that relies on public support for 96 per cent of its funding. Supporters, charity staff and volunteers, and a Guinness World Record judicator watched him make the brave journey down the building, beginning from our helipad atop the hospital.
This challenge is only a third of Colin’s fundraising journey: this year he is completing various challenges to fundraise for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RCN Foundation.
Colin said: “I may be 102 years old, but I still want to do my bit to raise much-needed funding for three amazing charities.”
So far, on the day of the abseil, Colin has raised an incredible £5,476 for London’s only air ambulance service, enough to fund over one whole mission. You can follow his fundraising here. On average, we attend to five individuals every day – we’re so grateful for all of Colin’s efforts.
Chief Executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Jonathan Jenkins, said: “It is a tremendous feat to complete our helipad abseil, many congratulations to Colin. The money Colin – and the other fundraisers – will raise in the abseil will play a vital role in ensuring that London’s Air Ambulance’s advanced trauma team can continue to save lives in London. We are so thankful for their commitment and support.”
London’s Air Ambulance is there for every person who visits, lives and works in London, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you’re interested in taking on a challenge event to help us raise vital funds, or would like to register your interest for 2024’s helipad abseil, please reach out to the team on [email protected].