Daredevil grandmother, 72, who’s completed 5,000 parachute jumps becomes ‘chief ride tester’ at Alton Towers
Jackie Smith became the first woman to be part of the British Army Parachute Regiment in 1971
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Your support makes all the difference.Alton Towers have hired a 72-year-old grandmother - who has completed 5,000 parachute jumps - to become their ‘chief ride tester’.
Lifelong daredevil Jackie Smith, from near Stonehenge, Wiltshire, says she is “honoured” to have been handed the role which will see her test the them park’s rollercoaster rides.
It is the first job of its kind at the park and it seems the grandmother of four children aged between two and 11 is the perfect candidate to take on the challenge.
Ms Smith has devoted her life to adrenaline and adventure as, at 19, she became the first woman to join the Parachute Regiment, the Red Devils, in 1971.
She is known as a trailblazer in her industry and was the first woman to receive the Parachute Regiment’s prestigious red beret just two years later.
“It’s my absolute honour to be appointed Alton Towers’ first chief thrillseeker,” she said. “Alton Towers sets the bar worldwide for thrill-seekers and I can’t wait to bring my expertise from a lifetime of adventure to help ensure they continue to set new standards.”
Ms Smith, who has completed 5,000 parachute jumps, said it was “ridiculous” she had to convince her commanding officer in the Parachute Regiment to allow her to try parachuting, which was “forbidden” for women at the time.
“When I joined the army women were forbidden from parachuting. At 19 years old I was stationed in Aldershot which was the home of the Parachute Regiment,” she explained.
“I saw the guys training and something just clicked in me. I pestered my commanding officer to let me take basic training.
“At the time the top brass wouldn’t let women jump because they were worried they would flash their knickers on the way down.
“It was absolutely ridiculous. Eventually my persistence paid off and I was allowed to take basic training and I never looked back.”
In 1978 she took part in the World Parachuting Championship, the main global competitive parachuting event, to become the first skydiver to hit the centre of the electronic scoring pad in every round, and a year later she was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Ms Smith has also taken part in base-jumping off El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in the US and opened the 1986 Commonwealth Games while four months pregnant.
In her new role, lasting 12 months will be responsible for attending the theme park’s biannual Thrillseeker Summit and testing rides, her first being Nemesis Reborn, which has replaced the previous 250-tonne, 716-metre-long structure.
She added: “My first time on the iconic Nemesis Reborn definitely met my high standards for thrills – it felt like my first jump all over again.
“Being here today makes me realise how a theme park like Alton Towers is a real family affair, and I hope that my new role as chief thrillseeker showcases just how those of all ages can enjoy the experience.”
The new ride features audio visual technology for a more immersive experience for visitors.
Bianca Sammut, divisional director at Alton Towers Resort, in Staffordshire, said she was “excited” to welcome “a true female trailblazer” to the theme park.
“We’re so excited to welcome the inspirational Jackie to our team. Her seven decades of thrills expertise is sure to elevate our attractions at Alton Towers,” she said.
“Alton Towers is the beating heart of UK thrill-seeking, offering fantastic attractions for all ages, from kids to grandparents.
“Jackie, a true female trailblazer, shows that you’re never too old for thrills. As part of our summer of fun, we’re making it even easier to enjoy a thrilling day out with great offers for all members of the family.”
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