Glynis, Emma, Lisa and Terri fancied “something different” to mark 40 years of Cats Protection’s Gwent branch – and the world’s fastest zip slide fitted the bill.

Volunteers celebrate birthdays with zip wire | Cats Protection

The fearless Cats Protection volunteers will be flying down the Zip World Velocity zip wire in Bethesda and are calling for cat lovers to sponsor them to complete the terrifying challenge.

Glynis Davies, co-ordinator of Cats Protection’s Gwent Branch, said: “A couple of us were chatting about it being 40 years since the branch was set up.

“We wanted to do something different and I thought I’d do something to mark my 60th birthday.

“Terri, who’s 78-years-old, said she was up for a challenge as it’s now or never!

The group hopes to raise £750 which will make a huge difference to cats needing help in Gwent and all donations – no matter how big or small - will be greatly appreciated.

Zip World Velocity is the fastest zip line in the world, with participants reaching speeds of more than 100mph – hanging face down from the wire. It’s also the longest zip line in Europe.

“Last year we did a sponsored head shave – but I think this year’s fundraiser will be much more hair-raising. We’ll try not to be scaredy cats!” said Glynis.

“We’re nervous, but it’ll be fun at the same time, so we’re excited too. You fly down parallel lines, so we’ll be able to wave to each other on the way down.

“It’ll be worthwhile as, at the end of the day, we’re doing this to help the cats.”

Donations will help support the branch’s essential cat care work, including homing, neutering and education.

To sponsor the Cats Protection team’s challenge, which takes place on Saturday 11 May, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gwentbranchbirthdayfundraiser.

Anyone interested in taking part in a challenge like Zip World Velocity for Cats Protection can visit our events page, email events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741960.

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For further information or an interview, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911, at media.office@cats.org.uk, or @CPMediaTeam on Twitter.