ST Clare volunteer, Goolmohr “Georgie” Cantel, descended down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide in aid of the Hastingwood-based charity on Saturday 22 July.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide, located at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, is 178 metres long, and takes 40 seconds to descend with a 50 metre straight run back down to solid ground. The slide winds around the UK’s tallest sculpture at speeds of about 15mph and features a tight corkscrew section.

The 82 year old grandmother of four, who has lived in Bishop’s Stortford for 39 years, took on the adrenaline-fuelled challenge to raise money for St Clare Hospice, where she has helped as an Inpatient Unit volunteer for over 5 years. As well as being in the ranks of St Clare’s more than 450 volunteers, Georgie is also a passionate volunteer fundraiser for the Hospice – having organised a series of Race Night and Afternoon Tea Party events over the past 4 years.

Georgie, who defied expectations last year by climbing London’s O2 for St Clare, was determined to take on a new challenge for the hospice for 2017. Commenting on the Orbit slide challenge, Georgie said: “After climbing the O2 last year, I wanted to come up with a new and exciting challenge. When I saw that the slide was opening on the Orbit tower I immediately thought, that is the perfect challenge for me! Just entering the marvellous Orbit structure and viewing London from the top platform is a wonderful experience. The slide is a unique and remarkable journey.”

Commenting on her trip down the Orbit Slide, Georgie said: “My arms were padded and I was given a helmet to protect my head. I lay in the entrance to the tunnel with my feet in a sack, and I was asked to hold on to a handle. Then, whoosh! The corkscrew immediately grabbed me! I almost toppled over at each turn and hit the sides, but I managed to control my body.”

Georgie added: “Then came the very fast 50m drop downwards with one sharp bend – I was jostled on all sides and my legs shot upwards! Next, bright daylight greeted me. I had reached the end of this very quick, very fast and very memorable experience! I emerged out of the slide and felt fine and happy.”
Last year, Georgie raised £1,200 for St Clare by climbing the O2 in London and she aims to raise over £1,000 for St Clare through her Orbit Slide challenge.

For more information about how you can volunteer with St Clare Hospice, visit their website at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer or contact their Voluntary Services Manager, Rob Wallace, directly on [email protected] or call 01279 773722.