30 challenges for 30th birthday

A special needs coordinater has come up with a novel way of marking her 30th birthday – by taking part in 30 charity challenges.

Rachel Buckley, of Cromford, decided to do something different in the run up to her 30th birthday, on May 20, by taking on a host of wacky challenges to raise money for Sense, a charity which supports people who are deaf–blind.

She said: “I really wanted a way to look forward to being 30 and give something back.

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“I figured people would donate far more for the opposite of a bucket list and true to form my friends and family have come up with some truly humiliating challenges.

“It is essentially a series of things I never wanted or expected to do but that have provided some unforgettable experiences along the way.”

Rachel, who works at Anthony Gell School, had tasks ranging from dressing as an octopus for the day to massaging a pregnant pig, showjumping and mapping houses in Winster. She said each challenge was difficult, particularly the ‘I’m a teacher get me out of here’ challenge, in which Rachel, who is afraid of spiders, had to hold a tarantula.

“The hardest in terms of time was the village map but that has proved so valuable,” she added.

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Rachel said the hardest task emotionally was a deaf–blind assault course.

“As I’m hearing impaired cutting off my vision for a even a short time really scared me,” she said.

Rachel has so far raised more than £2,600 for Sense. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/30before30sense