Aldwick's Eve ready to abseil 60ft in bid to beat the world record

Eve Mobbs will become what is believed to be the oldest partially sighted person to complete an abseil.

Details of her likely achievement have been registered with Guinness Book of World Records for verification once she is back at ground level.

She will stand at the top of Worthing's High Street car park some 60ft above ground ready to make the descent.

Eve's willingness to go over the edge on Saturday from seven storeys high will benefit 4Sight, the West Sussex Association for the Blind.

Eve will be 92 years, six months and 13 days old and easily the most elderly person to have taken part in the Bognor Regis-based charity's three abseils so far.

Aldwick Felds resident Eve has wet macular degeneration in both eyes as well as glaucoma and a cataract, which she is waiting to have removed.

The conditions mean she has peripheral sight only and has help from her guide dog, labrador/golden retriever cross Karena, to get about.

Karena will be present at the abseil, though staying with all four paws firmly on solid surfaces.

Eve said: "I've never done an abseil before and I'm not likely to do it again.

"It's a challenge and I want to show people that life does not finish when you lose your sight."

She has been partially sighted for the past ten years.

"I don't quite know what I will see when I'm at the top of the car park. But I expect I will know that I'm high up," she explained. "I've been up there before when I used to drive and when my daughter has parked there.

She hopes to raise several hundred pounds for 4Sight where she is a regular helper at the charity's Victoria Drive base.

Four mornings a week, and some afternoons, find her behind the reception desk.

Her experience of independent living, and the technology available, helps reassure first time visitors about their ability to cope with impaired or lack of vision.

Some 40 to 50 people are likely to take part in the abseil. Anyone who wants to join them must pay 25 in advance and pledge to raise a further 75.

All money will go to 4Sight. More information from [email protected] or 01243 838008.