92-year-old from Callington takes on zip wire challenge
George Dawe will be joined by three-year-old Richard Oliver
Last updated 18th Sep 2023
A 92-year-old man from Callington is achieving a long-held bucket list dream for charity.
Former taxi driver George Dawe is riding a zip wire at Adrenalin Quarry today (Monday 18 September), alongside three-year-old Richard Oliver, who is the son of a friend.
George first went down a zip wire in 1949 as an army conscript. He loved the experience and has always wanted to repeat the thrill.
At 50m high, Adrenalin Quarry bills itself as having ‘the UK’s maddest zip wire.'
George is well-known in the local community and used to drive people for day care or to see loved ones at Chyvarhas Residential and Nursing Home in Callington so, when Denise Eaton took on the role of activity coordinator there, he started popping in for coffee on a more regular basis.
He chose to raise money for the cause close to his heart.
"It's all very exciting"
George said: "I could see how much Denise and the team do for the people living at Chyvarhas and wanted to help them.
"Many would say I’ve always been a bit mad so, when Julia Oliver, Richard’s mum, suggested her son could ride the zip wire at Adrenalin Quarry with me, we decided to raise money for the home at the same time.
"That was three weeks ago when I thought we’d be lucky to get £100 – but more than £1000 has already been promised! It’s all very exciting and I can’t wait to get my Superman pants on!!"
Denise Eaton, said: "I’ve known George for a long time – he’s such an amazing character.
"He’s always the first person on a dance floor and the last off it and our residents love seeing him here. He brings a smile to everyone’s faces and we can’t thank him enough for undertaking this adventure on the home’s behalf.
"Knowing George, he’ll be dancing down that zip wire"
Julia is a carer, who also used to work at Chyvarhas:
"George and I have been friends for many years. I’ve been down a smaller zip wire before and, to start with, said I’d go with him. Then my three-year-old wanted to join in so they’ll be riding the wire together. It’s very exciting and I can’t think of a better cause."
Chyvarhas is a former Cornwall Care home that is now run by Sanctuary Care.
All money raised will go towards the Chyvarhas Residents’ Comfort Fund.