Adventurous Gwen flies high at 91

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Gwen Ackrill, a member of North West Kent Oddfellows, has proven there’s no age limit to thrill-seeking having taken on ‘England’s longest zipline’ at the age of 91.

Gwen, who lives in Dartford, caught the daredevil bug when she tried parasailing on holiday over a decade ago, and has been searching for a similarly exciting experience ever since. So, when she discovered the 700m zipline, where passengers reach speeds of up to 50mph, at Bluewater shopping centre, she simply had to do it.

Gwen Ackrill, 91, decided she wanted to take on England's longest zipline

All for a good cause

Gwen, who says she's always wanted to do a zipline and was "definitely looking forward to it", decided that she'd combine the impressive feat with raising funds for a charity close to her heart.

"I have always wanted to help others," she said. "Both my daughter and grandson are Type 1 diabetics and I chose Diabetes UK as the charity to raise money for, so as to help everyone with this condition."

Son-in-law Nevil Eames, also a North West Kent Oddfellows member, said: “She wanted to do something to prove that she could. It took her fancy but she needed a reason for doing it. She said ‘we’re going to do it for charity, for Diabetes UK’.

“Susan – my wife – became Type 1 diabetic a couple of years ago and our younger son, Tom, became Type 1 diabetic at the age of 14. He’s now 32. So Gwen has seen what both of them have had to go through with diabetes and she just wants to help.”

Determined daredevil

Nevil, who says he was “volunteered” by his wife to take the zipline on alongside Gwen, says the family weren’t convinced Gwen’s plan would ever take shape, but she was fixed on making it into a reality.

“We all went: ‘yeah, yeah, sure, okay’. Thinking it would be a someday never sort of idea,” he said.

Nevil and Gwen about to set off on the zipline

“Some people tried to talk her out of doing it because they were worried about her safety and health at the age of 91. They were a little bit worried but she was determined to go ahead with it.”

Describing the experience, Gwen said: "I was slightly nervous at first but as soon as I started moving it was a great feeling."

Nevil added: “It was very, very exciting. I loved every second of it. 

“You’re in a sort of hammock from the chest down, so your arms are free and you honestly feel like you’re flying, more so than when you’re on an aeroplane because you’re rushing through the air."

Gwen coming to the end of the zipwire which reaches speeds of up to 50mph

And now Gwen's thoughts have already turned to her next adventure. “She’s talking now of wanting to abseil down the side of a building," said Nevil. "I’m really worried. Not for her, but for me. She might want me to do it with her!”

Live life to your fullest ability and have no regrets Gwen Ackrill

Gwen has managed to raise over £900 so far, both through her high-flying antics and knitting dolls and other items which she sold at the residential home where she lives. Donations can still be made to her Just Giving page and would be greatly appreciated.

Gwen is already thinking about her next challenge

Nevil described the reaction from her fellow Oddfellows: “We were at a meeting and as soon as they found out what she was planning to do, a lot of them came over and gave money, pledged support as it were. Gwen was collecting quite a lot of money before she’d even done the zipline, which really compelled her to have to do it!”

And since flying through the skies above Bluewater, Gwen has received quite a bit of attention, appearing in the local newspaper, on ITV London Evening News TV channel and a journalist is also writing an article for Take a Break magazine. Nevil was interviewed by BBC Radio Kent.

On her inspiring outlook on life, Gwen added: "If you are fairly fit and healthy then having a positive attitude to life keeps you feeling young. Live life to your fullest ability and have no regrets."

Curious about the Oddfellows?

The Oddfellows has a history of raising funds for good causes, both nationally and at a Branch level. We also offer opportunities to volunteer your time to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

To locate your closest Oddfellows friendship group you can use our Branch Finder, or to discover what events are happening near you go to our Events Finder.

Contact us to find out more, or come along to one of our online open days.