NOT many great-grandmothers would celebrate their birthday by abseiling down the tallest building in Hampshire.

But 85-year-old Mary Tampion showed no fear as she launched herself down the side of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, taking in the beautiful view as she went.

The birthday treat was organised to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, inspired by her great-granddaughter Adelaide Westbrook, who has from the condition.

Family and friends – including Adelaide herself – gathered to watch her made the amazing descent yesterday, but Mary was left unruffled by the experience.

She said: “It took me about 15 minutes – the view from the top is absolutely lovely, and it’s wonderful today. I loved every minute of it.

“I just kept going down and it wasn’t hard.

“Adelaide is standing right beside me and she’s just given me a big hug. I have got a wonderful family and I love them all.”

The ten-year-old was diagnosed with the condition when she was eight months old. So far Mary’s feat has raised more than £1,500 for the charity.

• Sponsor Mary at virginmoneygiving.com.