Helen Skelton Is Girl On Wire Today
28th Feb 2011
Fearless Helen Skelton will cut a lonely figure on the capital’s skyline today as she attempts to become the first person to high-wire walk between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station, in support of Red Nose Day 2011.
The Blue Peter presenter is due to start her incredible high-wire attempt at approximately 9:30am (weather permitting) and plans to walk herself into the record books by setting a new record for the highest wire walk completed by a woman in the UK.
Already having recently set two world records, Helen, has been training for months to get herself physically fit and mentally ready for her third record breaking attempt.
The once-in-a-lifetime high-wire adventure will test her nerves, balance and determination to the absolute limit as she completes the crossing 66 metres up in the air, higher than 8 stacked double-decker buses, on just an 18mm thick piece of wire.
The 8 metre long balance pole, which weighs 8 kg, has been filled with good luck messages from well wishers and Blue Peter viewers. The 27-year-old needs to steadily hold this out in front of her as she navigates her way across the 150 metre opening.
Helen said: “I can’t believe it’s actually happening today. I've done as much as I can now to prepare, I just have try and keep my focus and hold my nerve. I am scared but I am determined to try and enjoy it. I have no idea how I’ll react when I’m up that high or what it will feel like taking my first step onto the wire at Battersea. There’s no room for any mistakes so I know I need to keep focused, keep my balance and just keep walking!”
Tune in to a special documentary Comic Relief: Girl on Wire on BBC One on Friday 11th March at 7.30pm to see the full story of Helen’s Girl on Wire adventure, plus two Blue Peter Specials on March 7th and 8th.
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. To show brave Helen your support, sponsor her here to support her in this incredible fundraising effort.