girlonwirelaunch
Helen Skelton is Girl on Wire
Not content with being the first person to solo kayak the Amazon, fearless Helen Skelton reveals today that she has set her sights high for her latest challenge. The daredevil Blue Peter presenter will attempt to become the first person to high-wire walk between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station, in aid of Red Nose Day 2011. Support her for this amazing feat at www.rednoseday.com/girlonwire.
Super Skelton has been secretly training for months for this once-in-a-lifetime high-wire adventure which will test her nerves, balance and determination to the absolute limit as she completes the crossing 66 metres up in the air, on just an 18mm thick piece of wire.
Holding the 8 metre long balance pole, which weighs 8 kg, out in front of her is just one of the difficulties the 27 year-old will face as she navigates her way across the 150 metre length of London’s iconic landmark.
None of this seems to faze the invincible Miss Skelton who is eager to take her first step on the wire. “The last few weeks training in France have been really intense. It's nerve wrecking and physically exhausting, but I feel ready and I just want to get on with it,” she admits. “I’ll be attached to a device like a seatbelt that will kick in if I fall off, I won't be able to feel or hear it, so it really will just feel like me and my balance pole alone on the wire, more than 50 metres up!”
Man on Wire was the inspiration for Helen’s latest challenge. “I was so impressed when I saw the film that I said ‘Wouldn't it be amazing to do something like that’. I didn't think about how heavy and difficult it would be to hold the balance pole out in front of me for so long. I knew it would be scary and a challenge to stay focussed but I really hadn’t realised how physical it would be. I am covered in bruises from falling on the wire – which is incredibly painful. It has been hard work but that's what is going to make me grit my teeth and keep going when my arms burn, I only hope I can hold my nerve and keep my eyes on the wire, if I stay focussed I'm sure I can make it across. Doing it at Battersea means my family can come and watch, which is great for me but pretty stressful for my Mum.”
Helen hopes her incredible effort will inspire others to do a fundraising activity this Red Nose Day and help raise money that will change lives forever. "I've been lucky enough to see that Comic Relief money is actually making a difference and changing people's lives for the better. When you've seen it firsthand it's impossible to turn your back on and that's why I wanted to support Comic Relief.” Helen will attempting her challenge on Feb 28th.
Tagged in Comic Relief