Scaling The Heights To Overcome Fears

A Haverfordwest grandmother, whose fear of heights proved a barrier to her lifestyle has overcome her acrophobia after taking indoor climbing lessons.

Despite living with the phobia for most of her adult life 48-year-old Christine Davies decided she’d had enough of not being able to achieve what she wanted to and enrolled on a climbing course at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre determined to conquer the 10 metre high wall.

All-action Christine, who has a black belt in kick boxing realised she had to face up to the challenge after being left behind while taking part in a high wire assault course during an outing with friends.

While they carried on with the activity, Christine couldn’t let herself go past the first obstacle and eventually went home disappointed and upset. ‘”It was at the point I realised I had to stand up to my fear,” she said.

“I’m a very active person and enjoy walking yet despite going to Snowdon a couple of times I’ve only gone to the top once; on a misty day when I couldn’t look down. On other times, I’ve gotten so far but never carried on. My fear was holding me back.”

A regular user of exercise classes such as Circuits and Body Attack at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, Christine had an idea to give the ‘Hangout’ climbing wall a go while watching it being built.

Despite its towering presence (it’s the largest indoor wall west of Swansea) she was determined to give it a go.

“I knew I’d be safe because of the ropes and climbing instructor Liz Collyer was very encouraging. On my first session I got three quarters of the way up before coming down. After that I was determined to reach the top.”

On the second attempt she made it and the sense of achievement was phenomenal.

“I couldn’t stop smiling.

“At the start of session we were told to climb to a point and drop off. That was nerve wracking but once I knew I was safe there was no stopping me. The adrenaline was surging.

“When I reached the top I was overwhelmed with a sense of achievement and had to take some time out when I got back down to calm myself.

“I go every week now and I’ve promised to take my eldest grandchild with me when I get more confident.

“The fear has gone and Liz says she’s going to take me out rock climbing with her. You never know, I may do it because the more you do it, the more confidence you get.

“I’m even going to climb Snowdon again, but this time without the mist!”

The ‘Hangout’ climbing wall is suitable for all abilities (novices need to complete an introductory course first) and there are ‘Cheeky Chimps’ climbing clubs for children and young people (aged 8-12 or 13-16). You can also book climbing birthday parties.

• For more information, please contact Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on 01437 776676 or view the timetable at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/leisure (click on Haverfordwest Leisure Centre).

Caption 

Pictured is Christine Davies tackling Haverfordwest Leisure Centre’s 10m climbing wall, with instructor Liz Collyer.