In 2009 I met this awesome guy, Eskil Ronningsbakken - "It is when I balance that I live, everything else is just waiting." Eskil Ronningsbakken’s death-defying mixture of art and acrobatic skills has led him to perform in over 100 countries, and to TV audiences in their millions. He invited me to perform in Norway at a competition as a guest. Since then I’ve kept in contact with Eskil; looking at his pictures thinking they are amazing and wanting to create an image together and have a crazy adventure. I messaged Eskil when he posted a video of him going up Mount Montserrat, thinking "that looks incredible, how do I get up there?" He decided he is going to strap me in a harness and take me up on his back... I said yes and two weeks from the original facebook comment found myself booking flights with Sam Jordan (who is going to be my support for the trip) and getting ready for this epic adventure! We skyped each other the other day to talk about the plan and what we were going to do. It really made me smile when I mentioned that my parents have given up being surprised with things I end up doing and Eskil said the same about his parents. 

Why is this adventure significant for me? Well, I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta type 3, which means my bones are pretty fragile and I break them without impact. 200+ fractures later, I’m pretty good at listening to my body for when things  don’t feel right, but equally I know when things are going to be ok; listening to my instinct and pushing myself as far as myself and bones can manage. 

I’ve always been an active person, having swam for GB and breaking 4 World records in my then classification. After retiring from swimming I moved on to an opportunity to try out aerial circus skills. Having seen some performers on holiday I thought it looked fun and with my lack of self-preservation (I mean what could possibly go wrong, heights and brittle bones?!) I went along to my first training session and never looked back. Fast forward 7 years- I’ve had the chance to perform for the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, resident show in Los Angeles and lots of gigs around the UK. It’s been an incredible journey, most significant is the fact that I’ve not broken doing circus! It is still the common sneezing causing a fractured rib or a broken long bone from literally no impact.

I want to do this challenge to show that anyone and everyone can push themselves to do things they never thought possible. The way I live life is to take as many opportunities whilst I can because I know things can change in an instant. 

Any money kindly donated will be going to the Brittle Bone Society which have always been there for myself and my family and still continue to do so. They not only help supply necessary mobility equipment but provide emotional and peer support. Having grown up with the BBS I was able to look up to older OI’ers and realise there are no barriers to living life in the way you want to, it is your choice, all down to the restrictions you put upon yourself. I didn't grow up wondering whether I would be able to drive, get a job or live  independently because I saw people like me doing it, giving me a lot of confidence growing up. I just wanted to find my own way to do things, they might not be conventional but they get the job done! So thank you BBS and I hope many people can be as generous as possible to support this incredible charity. 

https://www.facebook.com/eskilronningsbakken/videos/1146100215413782/