'Dementia won't stop me doing a 100mph zipwire' says Chorley gran

A daredevil gran will be flying through the air at up to 100mph when she takes on a terrifying challenge.
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Sylvia Bouskill, 74, will ride the world’s fastest zip line on Wednesday.

Brave Sylvia, of Chorley, not only suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia - but is also fitted with a heart pacemaker.

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The plucky pensioner will be joined by daughter Rebecca and granddaughter Jessica, 18, for the adrenalin-fuelled, mile-long ride high above Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales.

Sylvia is ready for her challenge
PHOTO: KELVIN STUTTARDSylvia is ready for her challenge
PHOTO: KELVIN STUTTARD
Sylvia is ready for her challenge PHOTO: KELVIN STUTTARD

They hope to raise more than £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Society by taking part in the daredevil stunt at Zip World Velocity 2 in Bethesda.

Sylvia, says she’s ‘excited’ at the prospect of flying through the air at 100mph.

The former midwife and ward sister, who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, described herself as a “sort of speed freak” after having already done several motorbike rides at over 100 mph and a wind tunnel fly in Manchester a few years ago.

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She said: “Some people might think I’m mad to do this at my age but I’ve never been one to do what people expect of me.

“I may have dementia, but I’ve always said it doesn’t define me. Of course it’s not great, but I’m dealing with it. I’m just more forgetful these days, that’s all.”

Sylvia, who volunteers for Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, admits her diagnosis did not come as a surprise.

Her medical background meant she suspected dementia was the cause of her confusion before undergoing tests.

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She said: “I am one of the few people I know who came away with a positive outlook after being diagnosed.

“I’ve heard a lot of horror stories but the expert I saw reassured me that I am still the same person – and that my life is not over just because I have dementia.”

Sylvia has been married to husband Glyn, 72, for 51 years. They live at Primrose Gardens, off Pall Mall, Chorley.

The couple also have a son David, a vicar, who lives in Horsham, who has two children.

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And they have another daughter and two more grandchildren after fostering a girl for nine years who is now married and living in Australia.

Sylvia was a nurse from 1962 and a midwifery sister at Chorley Hospital for several years.

Sponsor her by searching Sylvia Bouskill on www.justgiving.com

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