A WOMAN who suffers from a debilitating condition is preparing to undertake a 90ft abseil after insisting “life is for living.”

Wheelchair-bound Sue Williamson will take on the challenge, at Langley Castle on Saturday, after reading about the opportunity in last week’s Hexham Courant.

The fearless 62-year-old, who lives at Dilston near Corbridge, will do the descent in memory of her father, Arthur Williamson, who died during lockdown in April, at the age of 97.

“No I am not scared at all,” insisted Sue, who has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 40 years.

“Life is for living and you have to throw caution to the wind. I’ve never done an abseil before, but when I read in last week’s Courant that people were being invited to take part in this event at Langley Castle, I thought I’d like to give it a go.

“It has been a difficult time for me during lockdown, especially after losing my father who I was close to, so I will dedicate this to him.”

Specialists from North-West company Wild About Adventure will host the abseil, after Langley Castle agreed to host the event in support of charities which would usually benefit from the Great North Run.

The region’s flagship running event was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and would-be participants, along with various organisations, are coming up with alternative ways of raising vital funds for charity.

As a young woman, Sue studied agriculture at the Kirkley Hall college in Ponteland, and went on to work as a farm secretary. She was living in London when diagnosed with MS 40 years ago, and has coped remarkably well with the condition thanks to her positive attitude.

She has relied on a wheelchair for the past five years, and is supported by a team of dedicated carers.

“My walking deteriorated and I got a wheelchair,” said Sue. “I could not stand on my two feet. You learn to adapt, I started going down the stairs on my bottom, and crawling around the floor.”

In taking part, Sue will raise money for Shine, a charity which supports people with mental health.

She added: “I have not found this past few months easy, and for many people, lockdown has been a lonely and challenging time. I am a firm believer that if anyone is struggling with their mental health, they should be given the support they need.”

A fund-raising page for Sue’s mission is in the process of being set up.