Afraid of heights but ready to take on bridge challenge

A YOUNG woman will confront her fear of heights to raise money for a hospice.

Rachel Ford, 23, will tackle the Tyne Bridge zip wire challenge in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham.

She said: “I’ve been terrified of heights for as long as I can remember.

I love to travel and be active but my phobia can be quite limiting as it rules out so many fun activities, like mountain climbing and rollercoasters.

“This event seemed like the perfect opportunity to face my fears while making a difference for a really important local charity, so I just couldn’t miss it.”

Miss Ford will plummet 230m down a wire from the Tyne Bridge on Sunday, June 7, reaching speeds of 20mph.

She said: “I know I will be really nervous and I’ve never done anything before but I’m 100 per cent determined to do it.”