'Oldest' papergirl Maureen Burton marks 80th birthday on zip wire
A woman who thinks she could be the oldest papergirl in the region marked her 80th birthday by crossing a lake on a zip wire.Having already completed one zip-wire challenge in her forties, Maureen Burton celebrated the occasion by repeating the feat on 12 April at North Yorkshire Water Park.She also raised £3,700 for her local church, St Michael's in Bempton, Bridlington, which was four times her original target."It was absolutely amazing," she said.
Despite not having the most elegant landing, she said she would be up for doing it again."I didn't end very lady like," she said. "I went in a somersault but I'd do it again, definitely."Maureen volunteered to deliver newspapers in her village three years ago after there was a danger the service could be lost.Her daily round ranges from six to 12 deliveries and is spread across the village."It's the distance," she explained. "It's not the amount because you go from one end of the village to the other. I keep fit, I keep walking and I keep mobile."She does not get paid for her rounds, but said she donated all her Christmas tips to the church after it supported her following her husband Neil's death five years ago.She wore a T-shirt with his picture on during the challenge after he cheered her on at her first attempt.The money raised will pay for alterations to the church and graveyard to make it accessible for wheelchairs and walking aids.
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