Sky's the limit for round the world Rosie (From Western Telegraph)

Sky's the limit for round the world Rosie

5:10pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

The sky’s the limit for indomitable adventurer Rosie Swale Pope as she takes off for her next challenge.

Not content with running around the world, the 66- year-old grandmother is now planning on flying around it twice. And she will pilot the plane herself.

Having got a taste of life in the air through a chance to go wing-walking, Rosie has become passionate about aviation.

With exhilarating memories of her first-ever flying lesson out of Haverfordwest airport, she is now about to embark on an intensive course of 40 lessons in Gloucester as the first step toward gaining her pilot’s licence.

“I am so in love with flying,”

said Rosie while making a visit to her former home town of Tenby. “Like all of my adventures, the thought of flying solo round the world has grabbed hold of my heart.”

Her 20,000-mile, five-year trans global trek – the longest unsupported run in world history – was documented in her best-selling book, Just a Little Run Around the World, and was followed by 27 marathons in 27 days across the UK.

Rosie, who originally hit the headlines when she sailed round the world over 40 years ago, has no desire to retire from adventuring.

“As far as I am concerned, I feel that 66 is the new 21.”

she said. “I feel blessed and honoured to have my health and strength, and the next 10 years are going to be the best ones of my life.”

After selling her house in Tenby, Rosie is now based in a caravan by Llangorse Lake, Brecon, but still enjoys nothing more than sleeping under the stars.

Her work as a motivational speaker can see her being paid up to £3,000 for a single talk, and this is the cash which will finance the training for her flight, which she hopes will take place in 2015.

“Once I have qualified as a pilot, I will be seeking sponsorship, which I hope will include the loan of a plane,” said Rosie, whose flight will be in aid of a cancer charity in memory of her husband, Clive.

“It will be an extreme adventure, and I am going to give it my all. This is my current dream, and we all have to have something to reach for.”