Next year, I’ll be attempting something I’ve never done before.
I’ll be training from scratch to slackline between two hot air balloons in flight, high above the ground, to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice.
I’ve never slacklined.
I’m scared of heights.
And I genuinely don’t know if I’ll be able to do it.
That uncertainty is part of the challenge.
This isn’t about being a professional athlete or performing a stunt for the sake of it. It’s about preparation, fear, learning publicly, and committing to something that really matters.
In June, my mum died of cancer.
After her diagnosis, we were fortunate to have time, two years that allowed us moments of normality alongside the difficult days. As things progressed and the lows increased, the importance of proper support became impossible to ignore.
Throughout that journey, at my mum’s passing, and still today, St Peter’s Hospice has been an absolute pillar of support for our family. From night care that allowed us to rest, to ongoing support after her death, they were there when we needed it most.
This challenge is my way of giving something back.
Over the course of this journey, I also want to help shine a light on the work hospice care does, not just at the end, but throughout illness and into bereavement. It’s work that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but makes a life-changing difference to families every day.
The challenge itself is simple to describe and very hard to do.
I will train over several months to reach a safe and coached level of competence on a slackline, before attempting a single, carefully planned crossing between two hot air balloons.
Key things to be clear about:
I am not a professional slackliner
I am not pretending this is easy
This will only happen if it can be done safely and responsibly
Every part of the attempt will be guided by experienced professionals, with clear safety systems, milestones, and decision points. If those conditions aren’t met, the attempt will get pushed back.
The goal is commitment, not recklessness.
The current aim is June 26, around the one-year anniversary of my mum’s passing.
That date is meaningful, but it is not fixed at all costs.
This challenge will only happen if:
Training progresses safely
The right conditions are available
All professional partners are confident it can be delivered properly
If the timing needs to move, it will. Safety and readiness come first.
This isn’t a one-day stunt. It’s a journey.
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing:
Learning to slackline from scratch
Training sessions, failures, and progress
The physical and mental challenges involved
Conversations with the people helping make this possible
Insights into the work St Peter’s Hospice does
This challenge also sits under The Older I Get, a project built around the idea that getting older doesn’t mean shrinking your life, but choosing what matters and showing up for it.
The primary goal is to raise £50,000 for St Peter’s Hospice.
Support comes in many forms:
Donating directly
Sharing the story
Supporting fundraising efforts
Getting involved as a sponsor or partner
Every contribution, large or small, helps St Peter’s continue the care and support they provide to families when they need it most.
I don’t know how this will end.
I don’t know how long it will take to feel ready.
I don’t know how it will feel to step out onto a line in the sky.
What I do know is why I’m doing it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for being part of the journey.
Ed
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© The Older I Get 2026
