Challenge No. 35: Try to overcome my fear of heights. 

I think my husband David knew it wouldn’t be too long before I asked him to get involved in a fundraising event of some kind. This one is perfect for him, no running or long distance walking, just a little abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

It’s 262 feet high with 20 mile views. No problem for David who has no fear of heights at all. Unfortunately for me, I do! Only now I’m bored of it and the fear of heights has become a hindrance, I feel I have missed out on some experiences, both in this country and abroad.

Take the (not so perfect) picture above for instance. I love the shard and the views you can see from both the restaurant levels and the viewing levels higher up but only as long as I am a good distance away and I just look forward. Get any nearer my entire body trembles and fear kicks in. It’s daft really as there is a whole lot of glass between me and the outside world. I can even tell you where the fear comes from, so I feel this is something I would like to overcome. 

As most of you know the ArcelorMittal Orbit as it is now called has a few activities including the one we are going to do, abseiling!! So with the the support of my bestie we are  going to give thischallenge our best shot and hopefully raise some money at the same time. Our target for this event is £500.00. This event organised by the Marsden takes place on this Sunday, the 1st of July. 

I love going back to the Olympic Park as it holds special memories from my time as a Games Maker in the London 2012 Olympics. I did go up the orbit then on the day of the closing ceremony with a few of my fellow Games Maker Charlie’s (drivers). We had a lot of time on our hands that day waiting for our next pick up, so it seemed like an opportunity not to be passed up. It was fantastic (well the bit I saw anyway), although I didn’t look over the side much. I had a quick peek at the stadium which was being prepared for the ceremony and then backed away and just looked around the inside of the structure. I didn’t think for one minute that six years later I would be abseiling down it. 

I am posting this a bit near to the event, but I thought the less chance I have to think about the task ahead the more chance I stand of going through with it.  

Our t-shirts have arrived and all that’s left for me to do is update my JustGiving page and spread the news. Watch this space!!

If you would like to help raise some money for Royal Marsden by supporting us, checkout the 50K for 50 Years JustGiving page.

Thank you!!