Daredevil centenarian turns 104 with tank ride
BBCThrillseeking has become a bit of a birthday tradition for centenarian Nora Gilliver.
To mark her 100th birthday, the resident of The Lawns Care Home in Oadby, Leicestershire, took a spin in a sports car, and for her 103rd birthday, the daredevil took to the skies and experienced a loop-the-loop in the cockpit of a glider.
But for her 104th celebrations, she took things at a slightly slower pace - by making a lifelong wish to ride on board a tank come true.
"I used to see them when I was in the land army, when it was in the war time," said Nora - who admitted while the view from the turret was all right the ride was "a bit bumpy".
Nora, who credits her longevity to exercise and prioritising health over beauty, climbed on board the FV432 tank at Armourgeddon Military Museum in Husbands Bosworth on Friday.
Marie Welsh, manager of The Lawns, was also on board. She said: "It was very warm but it was a strange feeling, you're quite tight in. It was amazing.
"It's been a long time in the planning, about a week after her last birthday I asked her what she wanted to do.
"Nora is just amazing, she's quite fit and healthy for her age. Why not make it happen - I wish if I get to that age I can be like Nora."
As well as the tank ride, Nora has had more than 200 cards from all over the world for her birthday - including a photo and message from the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kev Bland, founder of the Leg Up Project helped to make Nora's tank wish come true.
He said: "Somebody tagged me in a post saying can we get Nora a tank ride - I thought that's an interesting request. I had a ring round and found Armourgeddon, and it went from there.
"I've had to compose myself. Anybody who's been in a tank, it is uncomfortable, but she got in there, there were a few smiles, and got back out laughing and joking - it got emotional.
"She's an amazing lady, unbelievably inspirational."
So what next for Nora?
"Stand on the wing of a plane," she said, "but you won't let me do it."
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