A pair of peppy pensioners are determined to raise hundreds for an Erith care home before abseiling down the 114 metre tall ArcelorMittal Orbit structure next month.

Shirley Roberts, 84, along with her partner-in-crime Erica Farrell, 79, decided to take the plunge down the Stratford sculpture upon hearing that the Heritage Care respite centre was fundraising to build a new sensory room for it's residents.

According to Shirley, both women hold a personal connection with the care home and felt compelled to help out where they could.

"Erica's grandson has Down Syndrome and he goes to the centre quite a bit. He absolutely loves it.

"We heard they were looking to build this sensory room which is costing them around £12,000 so when I mentioned I wanted to do an abseil for it, she said she would too," said Shirley.

The 84-year-old, who's three grandsons also suffer from minor learning disabilities, told this reporter that abseiling has topped her bucket list for many years now and she's eagerly waiting to have a go this August.

However, the same can't be said for best mate Erica.

"I’m very active. I’m not worried about heights and I'm always ready to go.

"Erica is a little more apprehensive because she’s not keen on heights," she laughed.

The dynamic duo met a number of years ago at a coffee morning hosted by their local library and have remained pals since.

Although originally aiming to raise £500, their joint fundraiser has already reached £435 with less than month until they descend the Orbit on August 22.

Those who wish to donate to the pair's cause can do so

here.