AN OVERTON resident will abseil down the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to help raise money for a local charity.

Jacky Lessware, 81, will brave the 170 metre tower, abseiling 100m down the side of the iconic Portsmouth landmark, for the Lordsfield Swimming Club in Overton.

Originally, the plan was for Jacky to celebrate her 80th birthday last year with a parachute jump.

However, an operation for a new hip a few weeks beforehand put the brakes on anything too adventurous.

Not being dissuaded, Jacky decided, on doctor’s orders, to try abseiling as opposed to a more dangerous parachute or bungee jump.

Luckily, Jacky is not acrophobic.

She said: “I’ve never been afraid of heights and I have total faith in everyone who will work that day. Abseiling isn’t likely to damage me as much as a parachute or bungee jump.”

Jacky is fundraising for the Lordsfield Swimming Club. “I do enjoy swimming, especially in a warm sea,” she explained.

“It’s an important skill to have, and the Lordsfield club has taught most people in Overton how to swim.

“It’s also a great pleasure to be able to swim locally as well.

I started swimming lessons when I was four years old and it’s important to know how.”

Lauren McCann, swimming club chair, said: “Running a pool, even just seasonally, isn’t cheap. We rely on fundraising, grants and donations so we’re thrilled to support Jacky with her amazing Spinnaker Tower abseil to help raise funds.”

The abseil will be on May 7 at 2pm. Anyone who wants to watch can do so.

Lauren added: “We hope to see supporters in Portsmouth to watch Jacky complete her descent – an amazing feat by a remarkable lady for a brilliant community cause. Good luck!”

To donate to Jacky’s effort visit: cafdonate.cafonline.org/5944