Visually impaired Ammanford locals take on 77mph zip line

Lyn Thomas and Nicola Mattocks attended the Zip World Tower in Aberdare with their personal assistants and were treated like VIPs by staff.

Nicola did the challenge in memory of her late husband and raised money for the British Heart Foundation, whereas Lyn fundraised for T VIC (The Visually Impaired Club in Ammanford).

Lyn Thomas and Nicola Mattocks did the zip wire challenge together. (Image: T VIC)

The Zip World Tower in Aberdare is one of the fastest in the UK with speeds of over 70 mph. (Image: T VIC)

Lyn raised money for T VIC - the visually impaired club in Ammanford. (Image: T VIC)

Nicola went down the zip wire in memory of her late husband Paul Mattocks. (Image: T VIC) “It was awesome. I was really scared. Lyn was nervous as well. Especially when we sat there getting the harnesses and equipment put on us. But when that gate opened there was no turning back.

“I just tried to enjoy it and I described to Lyn what I could see. They counted down in Welsh and off we went. We went down two zip wires – the first one was 70mph, and the second one was 77mph.

“I loved it so much. We said we would definitely do it again, maybe in September. I was the biggest coward, but I did it. It was so emotional. I’ve raised over £1,100 and between mine and Lyn’s charities, we have surpassed £2,000.

“I told zip wire staff that I’m doing this in memory of my husband. I was wearing his ring. I regret that Paul didn’t do it because he always wanted to. It’s been very heartwarming to see people donate so much.”

Lyn, who is completely blind, shouted ‘Geronimo’ when he landed at the end of the zip wire.

He said: "I felt like a bird. I had my arms out when I was going down and I was not thinking about anything. It was great. There were members of the club there to support us and it was emotional.

"Next year I want to do sky diving. If it's for charity I'll do it. Every penny counts. It's a great feeling to raise money for T VIC."

The pair decided to do the challenge after Lyn was determined to raise more money for T VIC, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

They were cheered on by other members of T VIC, including a good friend of Lyn’s and fellow member of the club, 101-year-old veteran Neville Bowen.

Members of T VIC cheered on Nicola and Lyn. (Image: T VIC)

Lyn was congratulated by his 101-year-old friend, Neville Bowen. (Image: T VIC)

Lyn shouted 'Geronimo' when he landed. (Image: T VIC) To help Nicola raise money for the British Heart Foundation, go to her JustGiving page.

To reward Lyn for completing the zip wire challenge, you can donate to T VIC on his JustGiving page.

T VIC are looking for donations so they can continue to provide safe transport for anyone wanting to attend the group.

For more information about T VIC, follow the group's Facebook page.