Adrenaline Junkies Zip wire out of Lockdown

Three Members launched themselves back into action after lockdown on the world’s fastest zip wire.

The event, organised by Outreach Officer for West Jas Suller as soon as restrictions were
lifted, gave Members Grant Jenkins, Keith Walker and Stuart Osmundsen the chance to try the experiences at Zip World in Aberdare, South Wales.

The zip lines can hit speeds of 80mph as adventurers hurtle from a tower across a former colliery in the Rhigos mountain range.

“It was great,” said Grant, who served 10 years with the Royal Artillery but suffered a car accident in 2007 and had 20 operations before his leg was amputated in 2017.

“It was good to meet Members I’ve not seen before and to be outside after being stuck in the house for so long.”

Stuart, who served in the King’s Royal Hussars, was equally impressed. “It was good to talk to people who know what you’re on about,” he said.

“I’m a paraglider and often fly over the area, so it was great to get a different perspective.”

Former Royal Marine Keith Walker has been a Member for nine years after a rugby accident resulted in his right leg being amputated above the knee.

“The group gelled and it was a great activity. The Association has made an incredible difference to me. It has shown me what I can do and that life does go on,” he said.