A grandmother is determined to prove that being 70 can be a lot of fun as she pushes forward with her self-declared 'year of me.'

Eastern Daily Press: Ann Basey, 70, enjoying her garden during her 'year of me', setting herself a series of challenges as she makes the most of life on her own after her husband died. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAnn Basey, 70, enjoying her garden during her 'year of me', setting herself a series of challenges as she makes the most of life on her own after her husband died. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

From writing a blog to scaling a climbing wall and dying her hair pink Ann Basey is using her birthday milestone to reconnect with her adventurous side - and is urging others to seize the day and do the same.

She decided to move beyond her comfort zone after loss and ill health laid her low for a number of years.

As a couple she and second husband David enjoyed a life full of exciting experiences, holidays, and outdoor activity which came to a stop when he died nine years ago.

But as her 70th birthday approached she resolved to start living her life again, rekindling the energy and enthusiasm they had together and striking out on her own.

Eastern Daily Press: Ann Basey, 70, with her dogs Monty and Betsy, during her 'year of me', setting herself a series of challenges as she makes the most of life on her own after her husband died. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAnn Basey, 70, with her dogs Monty and Betsy, during her 'year of me', setting herself a series of challenges as she makes the most of life on her own after her husband died. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'Socially apart from having the dogs and playing bowls for the first few years I did not do much. I did not encourage myself but now I actively look for things to do. I have got my mojo back.

'My year of me started in March so I have got until next year. But I have got such a taste for it and a real sense of achievement I will definitely carry on.

'There must be hundreds of people like me. It just takes that first time you do something on your own.

'The first thing I did was organise by birthday lunch with just the people I wanted to be there.'

'Then I travelled to Harrogate by train to see the flower show which David and I had often talked about doing. I had afternoon tea at Betty's and raised a glass to what would have been our tenth wedding anniversary.'

Since then Mrs Basey, of Colomb Road, Gorleston, has pledged to consider anything her artificial hip will allow in a bid to 'get back to being me.'

So far she has joined a weight loss group and dropped a stone, dyed her hair pink, braved the shave for Macmillan Cancer, worn crazy shoes, visited Harrogate, and dined out alone.

She has a number of projects bubbling including identifying a rare Norfolk apple in her garden and working out what fashion 'looks' she can carry off.

Others under consideration include starting a blog, taking up photography, researching the Rows, taking in a rescue dog, getting back in the pool and picking up bowls again.

She is about to join a ramble at Fairhaven and wants to visit Northumberland.

She said: 'I know it is difficult for people when they lose a partner in whatever circumstances. I do wish I had had the energy earlier.

'It is now or never.'