Jumping off tall buildings

There are limited things you can do for a cheap thrill when you’re middle aged, built for comfort not speed, and have wonky legs.

Jumping off a tall building is one of them.

When I heard that the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation was running a fundraiser which involved abseiling off the Casino, I thought: I could do that.

The Foundation raises money for research into medical conditions that are prevalent in Tasmania. It’s a cause that’s close to my heart.

And I’ve abseiled before and enjoyed it. Ok, it was over 35 years ago, but it’s like riding a bicycle, right?

I mean, I knew I wouldn’t be paralysed by fear climbing over the edge, which is the hardest part.

Though of course, with age one does gain a lot more common sense and healthy respect for danger.

But with Aardvark Adventures in charge, this was a whole lot safer than when I used to go up the bush with other teenagers, sling a few ropes round a tree or rock and jump off a cliff.

And it was an absolute blast.