Tonbridge 'Supergran', Linda Beesley, hopes to be crowned UK's most Over Active Pensioner
Published: 13:15, 29 April 2015
A Tonbridge 'Supergran' is a finalist in a competition to find the UK's most active pensioner.
66-year-old Linda Beesley is hoping to receive support from people in the local community, to help her become victorious, winning the title of the most OAP - Over Active Pensioner.
Five finalists go head to head in a public vote, and the overall winner will win the competition, launched by the Senior Railcard and Janet Street Porter, and take home £500 worth of Virgin Experience Vouchers.
Linda was shortlisted after partaking in a variety of activities, including climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge, abseiling, go-karting, scuba diving and tobogganing - and although she has had a knee operation lately, she has just returned from New Zealand, where she flew a helicopter.
The competition aims to highlight that over 60s are living more active lifestyles than ever before, following research that shows today’s average retiree enjoys a busy social life, and 70 per cent of retirees feel a lot younger than their actual age.
Linda said: "I’ve always been an active person and being in my 60s certainly hasn’t slowed me down. Whether it’s climbing, scuba diving or even flying a helicopter, for me there is nothing better than keeping active, getting out and about and enjoying life.
"I entered the competition to try and prove that over 60s can be just as energetic as the younger generation. I’m thrilled to have been selected as a finalist and hope everyone in the local community will get behind me with their support."
Andrew Robertson, from Senior Railcard, said: "With such impressive achievements under her belt, it’s great to see that Linda has been shortlisted to be the UK’s most Over Active Pensioner.
He added: "It’s fantastic that she has been shortlisted, but now we are calling on Kent residents to vote for Linda so she can win the competition and be crowned the UK’s most Over Active Pensioner."
Local residents can now vote for Linda to win, by clicking here - voting closes at midnight on Monday May 11.
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Mike Thompsett