Lifelong LFC Fan, 82, becomes oldest person to take on Anfield abseil and raises £1,500 for charity

Lifelong LFC fan and great grand father, 82-year-old John Blackhurst, braved a 100ft abseil from the iconic Main Stand of the Red’s home ground, Anfield, on Sunday July 16. He is the oldest person to take on the challenge so far.

John, from Southport in Merseyside, had never done an abseil before, but was thrilled to receive a voucher for the Anfield Abseil as a gift from his family for Father’s Day. The decision was made that if he was doing something so adventurous at 82 years old, he should use the opportunity to raise some money for charity. At the time of writing, the Great Grandfather has raised over £1,500 of vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice, who offer the best possible Specialist Palliative Care, free of charge, for people facing life-limiting illnesses.

Choosing Queenscourt Hospice to raise money for was an easy decision for John, as they provided end of life care for two of his family members: his daughter’s husband, Stephen Rimmer and his granddaughter’s husband, Stuart Hooper.

Credit: John Blackhurst on the Anfield Abseil

Speaking before going over the side of the Main Stand, daredevil John said:

“Queenscourt Hospice is truly a special place. The care they offer is fantastic, and I am determined to raise as much money for them as I can. Both Stuart and Steve were fit, young men and had a real love of adventure, so it seems very fitting that I am doing something so challenging in memory of them.

“Incredibly, Stuart worked as a structural engineer on the Main Stand when it was being extended, between 2014 and 2016. He was proud to be a part of the project, so it feels special that I am abseiling off that very stand in his memory.”

John’s abseil was a success, and he completed the 100ft challenge to huge cheers from his family and other onlookers. You can donate to his fundraiser here.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” said John, after the abseil. “I’m still feeling on a high over the whole thing due to the amount of people still donating. I’d like to thank everybody for their amazing support!”

Participants must be at least ten years old to take part, with youths (10-17 years) costing £38 per ticket and adults £45.

You will also receive a souvenir wristband, free entrance to The Liverpool FC Story Museum worth £10 for adults, £6 for children, and full safety briefing and abseil equipment on the day.