ALISON Ross might be 80 this year, but she’s still up for a challenge. In fact, to celebrate her birthday, she’s taking to the high ropes in aid of charity.

Alison, who lives in Hexham, will be swinging through the trees 30 feet up on September 16 at Matfen’s Go Ape! obstacle course.

A committed fund-raiser, she has celebrated all of her recent milestone birthdays in impressive style.

At 70, she swam a mile and raised £2,000, and when she turned 75, she zip-wired across the River Tyne, raising £6,000 – both in aid of Tynedale Hospice at Home, as this latest feat will be.

Alison is keen a supporter of the hospice, having volunteered in its charity and book shops and for the hospital transport service, and once a month, she hosts a coffee morning at Trinity Church in Hexham selling home-baked goods, with all the proceeds going to the hospice.

Over the years, Alison has helped raise more than £22,000 for the charity and hopes to attract £8,000 in sponsorship with this latest challenge to take her total up to an amazing £30,000.

Alison said: “I know many people who have used the hospice’s services.

“They make a huge difference to patients and their families, providing amazing care at what can be an extremely difficult time.

“I can’t think of a better reason to put myself through these challenges. Knowing I am supporting a charity close to my heart is all the motivation I need.

“Heights don’t bother me at all – or at least they haven’t up until now – but navigating the Tarzan swing and the zip wire could be interesting!”

Alison will be joined by family and friends in the challenge, including her great niece Rachel Burt, originally from New Zealand, and her sister Chris Hood (70), who lives in Wooler.

“It will be lovely to have friends and family willing me on and maybe we’ll celebrate with tea and cake afterwards, but once it’s over, I’ll already be planning what I am going to do for my 85th celebration. An abseil or trek to Nepal, perhaps? There is so much choice these days!”