Video: Sheffield pensioner Barrie Grimshaw becomes oldest to take 250m zipwire challenge for hospitals charity

David Kessen
By David Kessen

Senior reporter

Published 11th Nov 2022, 12:32 BST
Updated 11th Nov 2022, 12:32 BST
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Sheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire for a charity supporting his poorly wife.

Barrie marked his 83rd birthday on the 13m high wire over a lake at North Yorkshire Water Park – becoming the oldest person to complete the challenge at the North Yorkshire Water Park and in the process helping to raise funds for Sheffield Hospitals Charity Pulmonary Fibrosis fund.

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Barrie’s wife, Margaret, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis three years ago. Before her diagnosis, Margaret was very active, taking on fundraising challenges herself such as climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge. But when one morning Margaret was on holiday and couldn’t do a full length in the pool, she realised something wasn’t right, and Margaret and Barrie’s life changed when she was diagnosed.

Sheffield Hospitals Charity Pulmonary Fibrosis fund

Sheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals CharitySheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals Charity
Sheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals Charity

Barrie, from Broomhill, said: “I am fundraising for this charity because very little is known about this very serious illness. It is a terminal lung disease which has a survival rate worse than many cancers. We need far more funding for research and support for sufferers. More funding could help improve health outcomes.

"On a personal basis my wife, Margaret was diagnosed with this disease three years ago and now has to have oxygen to walk anywhere outside, at present doesn’t need it indoors but that could come. It has altered ours and many others lives dramatically and it is not age related.”

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Freya Kingswood, interim head of community and events fundraising for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “(It’s) incredibly inspiring that Barrie has taken on this challenge for his 83rd Birthday and we are thankful for his support of the pulmonary fibrosis team”

The Sheffield Hospitals Charity Pulmonary Fibrosis fund covers research done by Sheffield-based scientists, refreshments, and meeting rooms for the support group.

Sheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw, waving, left, has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals CharitySheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw, waving, left, has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals Charity
Sheffield ‘adventurer pensioner’ Barrie Grimshaw, waving, left, has become the oldest person to hurtle along a 250m zipwire at North Yorkshire Water Park, for Sheffield Hospitals Charity

The group was a massive support for Margaret during COVID as it had a huge impact on her mental health, says Barrie.

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The diagnosis has been life-changing for Margaret and Barrie as they had an active lifestyle and now Margaret struggles to walk up the stairs without running out of breath.

To donate, log onto https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Margaret-Grimshaw2.

Related topics:SheffieldNorth Yorkshire Water Park