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72-Year-Old Grandmother Appointed Alton Towers' First Chief Thrillseeker

Daredevil grandmother, 72, ‘honoured’ to be chief ride tester at Alton Towers

A 72-year-old grandmother of four has been appointed as Alton Towers Resort's first chief thrillseeker, tasked with testing rollercoaster rides at the theme park. Jackie Smith, a resident near Stonehenge in Wiltshire, brings a wealth of adventure experience to her new role.

Ms. Smith's adventurous spirit dates back to 1971 when she became the first woman to join the Parachute Regiment, the Red Devils, at the age of 19. She quickly made history by being the first woman to receive the regiment's prestigious red beret just two years later.

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