Highland Perthshire bungee jumping operator Highland Fling
Bungee has successfully dispatched the oldest jumper in Scotland- a
73 year old from Ayrshire.
Retired cancer survivor Denis Gallagher has raised
almost £1000 for cancer charities by becoming the oldest bungee
jumper in the country. Former mechanic and multiple bike champion,
Gallagher, was shocked to discover he had bowel cancer six years
ago when attending a routine medical for a bike license.
However, the adrenaline-loving pensioner, given the all-clear in
2010, has now realised a dream he has had for over thirty years.
Gallagher, from Girvan, leapt 155ft at 50mph from Highland Fling
Bungee's state-of-the-art bungee pod at Garry Bridge near
Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry in
Perthshire.
Cheered on by family, friends and wife Phyllis, the evergreen
OAP (complete with doctor's line) was so happy with his jump, he
has written to thank the company. Now, as he gathers together the
proceeds for Cancer Support Ayrshire, he is hoping to do it again-
if he can rope in a few of his septuagenarian pals.
"I am definitely considering doing it again and I am trying
to get a few of my friends this time," said adventure-loving
Gallagher, who has also tried para-gliding and diving.
"I first saw a film of people bunjee jumping in New Zealand
about thirty years ago. I was at the cinema in Glasgow with my
brother and it was on a Pathe Newsreel. At the time, I remember
thinking: 'if I ever get the chance, I am going to do
that.'
"Obviously, it was a massive shock when I was told I had
cancer but when I got the all-clear last year, I decided to give it
a go. I heard you could now bungee jump in Scotland, which is great
because I don't think I would have gone to New Zealand. It was
fantastic and, when all the proceeds are gathered in, I reckon we
will have over £900 for the charity."
Since opening in May 2011, Highland Fling Bungee has counted
over 3800 jumpers worldwide but yesterday confirmed Gallagher as
officially its most senior participant.
For insurance and health reasons, the company requires all over
65s to present a valid doctor's line, which Gallagher- and his GP-
happily supplied.
A company spokesman said yesterday: "We have now examined
the data and Denis is definitely the eldest jumper we've had so
far, although the age-range has surprised us, in a positive sense.
We've had quite a few jumpers of a more mature vintage and it is
really encouraging to see so many people still remaining active and
challenging themselves to keep trying new things."
As well as planning another bungee jump, Gallagher, who still
competes in classic motorbikes, has been looking at the possibility
of a fresh challenge.
"I've had a look at wing-walking but I am not sure
yet," he said. "When I told my wife about the bungee
jumping, she just shook her head but, after 54 years of marriage,
she knows what I am like. I am not one of those people to wrap
myself in cotton wool or to look back and wish I had done something
but never did. I like a challenge and, although I felt a bit like
an old fogey in a kindergarten when I did the bungee jump, I was
made to feel really comfortable and loved it."
Highland Fling Bungee's partners, the National Trust for
Scotland, are delighted people of all age ranges are heading to
Killiecrankie.
"We are really encouraged to see that people spanning the
age range are taking the opportunity to engage in outdoor
activities such as this, especially at the Killiecrankie site. The
area is rich in natural history and it is great that people, young
and old, are enjoying all the area has to offer," said Ben
Notley, Property Manager for the National Trust for Scotland's
North Perthshire Properties.
