A 93-year-old grandma says she is going to put a big tick on her 'bucket list' as she prepares to abseil down the Etihad Stadium for charity.
Daredevil Margaret Carmichael will be among the dozens scaling Manchester City's home this weekend. Margaret, who was born in Edinburgh but has lived in Knutsford, Cheshire for over 70 years, said she first developed the desire to give abseiling a try around 30 years ago.
"I saw someone abseiling down Chester Cathedral and I thought 'oh, that'd be nice to do'" she told the Manchester Evening News . "Because I used to like gymnastics at school, climbing the ropes and what have you. And I have never forgotten it."
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Then recently whilst discussing 'bucket list' experiences with her family, she told them of her wish. They went on the lookout for ways to make it happen with the abseil down the Etihad on Sunday, July 10, being seen as a perfect opportunity for Margaret, half of whose family are Blues.
"This came up and I thought 'well why not do it?" she said. When asked what it was that appealed to her she said: "The view from the top maybe. No, in all seriousness it's just the idea of doing it. Nothing more, nothing less."
As part of the event, all those taking part, who had to raise a minimum of £125 in sponsorship, will abseil down the turrets positioned next to the stadium's East Reception, close to the statues of City legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero. The club are also promising some special guest appearances.
All the proceeds are going to the club's charitable arm City in the Community and their youth mental health programme City Thrive. Margaret, who has already raised more than £1,300 will be taking part with daughter Helen and grandaughter Kate Higginbottom.
"I'm always up for a challenge. Heights don't bother me at all" Margaret said. "I don't know much about it at the minute other than that there is a lift to the top.
"What happens after that remains to be seen. But I'm really looking forward to it. I've got lots of family and friends coming to watch so it should be a really good day."
Margaret, who says she has been dubbed an 'adrenalin junkie' by family and friends is no stranger to daring challenges.
In the months leading up to her 90 th birthday she went up in a hot air balloon above the South Lakes as well as zip wiring at Zip World in north Wales, home of the world's fastest zip line Veolcity.
Despite wanting to she was forbidden from doing that one but instead, Margaret, who uses a walker to prevent falls but is very active and mobile, did the Titan line becoming their oldest ever participant in the process.
"I was fully expecting to be going down head first but they politely told me I wouldn't be doing that," said Margaret but added that she "loved it."
Staff were so in awe of Margaret's bravery that they featured her on their social media accounts with the hashtag #BeMoreMargaret.
Asked about people's reaction to her stunts she said: "Sometimes people are surprised. That's all really. But I just take it easy as it comes. I'm not worried. I have a very good friend that I have great faith in – the Lord. He looks after me and keeps me doing."
She said she doesn't have a 'bucket list' of challenges written down but that "if something comes up I might have just have a go at it" citing paragliding and a wing-walk as other things she's like to try.
She said she wasn't really interested in inspiring others. "It's about me really," she said. "Whether I can do it. That's the main thing. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself. I just take each day as it comes."
Daughter Helen said: "We're just worried about what she'll come up with next! We're doing this with her and if she comes up with something else we'll feel obliged to do that as well!"
On her JustGiving page Margaret's grandaughter Kate described her as an "icon" and said "I am so proud of her adventurous spirit & will be joining her on the abseil. I am terrified of heights but if Grandma’s doing it then how could I not!? Adding "Thanks for donating and remember to always #BeMoreMargaret."
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