Rockclimbing, abseiling, canoeing, and horseriding are not the usual interests you would associate with someone celebrating their 100th birthday.

But a West Norwood woman who celebrated reaching her earlier this month tried out the activities just two years ago.

Vera Lissner, as these incredible pictures show, went on a sports activity weekend aged 98.

Her key worker at the Central Hill day centre in Upper Norwood, Marylin Drake, said: “She wanted to prove to friends and family she was still active.

"Everyone told her she was mad and could not do it but that made her even more determined to prove them wrong.

“We asked her if she was scared and she said no, and she absolutely loved it. But that’s Vera for you, totally fearless.”

Guests at her surprise party on May 21, including Lambeth mayor Christopher Wellbelove, could not believe the photos when they were shown them.

The borough’s oldest extreme sports fan was treated to a delivery of 100 red roses from close family and friends at the event in Lunham Road on her special day, as well as a special lunch and birthday cake.

The centenarian lived in West Norwood for many years.

Born in Sunderland in 1909, she soon moved to London with her family where she went to Dulwich Hamlet primary school.

She worked at Gamages department store, then as a civil servant.

After the war she met her husband Maurice, a squadron leader in the RAF, who she married in 1949.

They were married for 58 years before he died in 2006. She has one daughter, Ruth, and four grandchildren.

“She is an incredible lady,” said Ms Drake. “We love having her here.”

Marilyn spends two days a week at the care home in Upper Norwood, where she still takes part in an exercise group.

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