Desborough woman on a mission to have 60 adventures before her 60th birthday

A woman from Desborough decided to mark her 60th year by completing 60 adventures before her big birthday.

Deborah Wallis, 59, has been blogging her #debs60things challenge and hopes that those enjoying her challenge will donate to Family Links, a charity close to her heart.

Deborah said: "About a year ago I was thinking, 'oh my gosh, it's only another year and then I am 60'. I decided to make something positive out of it and do some adventures."

Deborah will be turning 60 on October 7 and has already completed 57 of her 60 adventures. They have been varied from making homemade mayonnaise, to indoor skydiving, driving a combine harvester and more.

Lots of people ask Deborah what her favourite thing has been. She said: "It's impossible to choose, there's been such a huge variety.

"The thing I have got the most out of is the writing process and having an audience (for the #des60things blog) and that is something I would like to continue."

When pushed, Deborah said her favourite of the 60 experiences was probably going on safari in South Africa. She said: "It was absolutely amazing, I wanted to do it for so long."

Another highlight was challenge number 57. Coronavirus forced Deborah to change a lot of her plans as things got cancelled, including plans for zorbing, karaoke and attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

When it came to challenge number 57, Deborah was looking for something adventurous at the last minute.

She said: "I just couldn't think what to do, so I put a message on Twitter and my daughter shared it. One of her friends is a light aircraft pilot and he replied saying 'would your mum like to go for a ride in a light aircraft?'

"I was so excited. I love flying and it came as a complete surprise, it was amazing."

Deborah said her most challenging thing she tried as part of #debs60things was running 60 miles. She said: "That was really challenging and really hard work because it was winter and I was doing it on a treadmill and I am not used to running.

"The treadmill measured in kilometres and when it hit 60km I thought, 'shall I change the target?'"

However, Deborah persevered and hit her target of 60 miles.

Deborah said while #debs60things is about making a milestone year positive, seeking adventures and trying new things is her approach to life generally.

She said: "I think it's not just about milestone birthdays, life is what you make of it, go out and try new things.

"If there is something you have always wanted to do, ask yourself why you haven't done it yet and what can you do to make it happen? Always be looking for the next adventure.

"Whatever your situation might be, like being stuck at home during lockdown, there are still new things you can try. That's my whole attitude to life."

Deborah has been sharing a blog post for each of her 60 things and is hoping those who feel inspired or enjoy the blog will donate to Family Links, a charity that supports families to build relationships to allow children to thrive.

You can read Deborah's 60 things blog here and you can find out more about Family Links here.

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