Don't look down! Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton becomes first to walk across Battersea Power Station in daring charity challenge

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:27 PM on 28th February 2011

Fearless Blue Peter presenter

has become the first person to high-wire walk across Battersea Power Station after completing the daring stunt in aid of Red Nose Day 2011.

The 27-year-old covered the 150-metre stretch above the landmark south London building in just 11 minutes.

She was 66 metres up for the charity challenge, which was delayed by 40 minutes because of high winds.

Fearless: Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton became the first person to high-wire walk across Battersea Power Station today after completing her challenge for Red Nose Day 2011

However, Skelton completed the task at a steady speed despite her eight-metre long balance pole swaying in front of her.

The BBC children's presenter was inspired to do the stunt by the documentary Man On Wire, which shows Frenchman Philippe Petit walking on a tightrope between the twin towers of New York's World Trade Centre in 1974.

She said: ‘I was so impressed when I saw the film that I said “Wouldn't it be amazing to do something like that”. I didn't think about how heavy and difficult it would be to hold the balance pole out in front of me for so long.’

Nearly there: The end is in sight for Helen as she travelled across the wire to the other stack

‘I knew it would be scary and a challenge to stay focused but I really hadn’t realised how physical it would be.

Preparation: The presenter has been training in France for the task

'I am covered in bruises from falling on the wire – which is incredibly painful.

‘It has been hard work but that's what is going to make me grit my teeth and keep going when my arms burn.

'I only hope I can hold my nerve and keep my eyes on the wire, if I stay focused I'm sure I can make it across.

‘Doing it at Battersea means my family can come and watch, which is great for me but pretty stressful for my Mum.’

Speaking about training for the experience recently, Skelton said: 'The last few weeks training in France have been really intense.

'It's nerve wrecking and physically exhausting, but I feel ready and I just want to get on with it!'

A safety device attached to her in case she fell was not needed as Skelton made no slip-ups on the 18mm thick wire.

The challenge was another feat for Skelton, who last year completed a 2,000 mile kayak along the Amazon river enduring 366 hours in the water and 150 insect bites to become the first woman to do so.

Skelton hopes her efforts, which will be broadcast on Blue Peter on March 7 and 8, will raise thousands of pounds for Comic Relief.

To sponsor Helen go to www.rednoseday.com/girlonwire.