TV presenter Helen Skelton bravely took on the challenge of canoeing along Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the UK’s longest and highest aqueduct.
A survey involving 2,000 adults discovered that a quarter of respondents admit to having an uncommon fear. Some of these odd phobias include cotton wool, coat hangers, and cacti.
Brits have also confessed to some rather unusual fears. These include bubble wrap, unvarnished wood, and even the jingle of an ice cream van. As well as tropophobia, a fear of objects with repetitive patterns like honeycombs or sponges, was another unusual fear identified in the study.
But in turns out in the research project conducted by Virgin Red, that the UK’s biggest phobia is heights with a third listing it as their top fear.
So, in response to these findings, Virgin Red has initiated a competition to encourage people to confront their fears and engage in activities that scare them. An example set by TV presenter Helen Skelton as undertakes the daunting task of canoeing along Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
“Fear can get in the way of astonishing experiences, sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason behind it, but it’s important that people tackle what’s making them scared every now and then,” said a spokesperson for the rewards group.
“We are encouraging Brits to leave their fear of heights behind, to create memories which will last forever.”
A survey revealed that 65 per cent of participants acknowledged their fears as completely irrational, with 61 per cent recognising the importance of stepping outside their comfort zone. As a significant 87 per cent claimed they attempt to face their fears.
The primary emotions experienced by those who had battled their fears included relief (53 per cent), feeling like an improved version of themselves (35 per cent) and a sense of adventure (25 per cent).
Among those surveyed, 40 per cent believed that having company was the most effective way to conquer fears, closely followed by drawing inspiration from others (32 per cent).
A spokesperson for Virgin Red: “There’s no right or wrong way to tackle what’s holding you back, but some strong encouragement can go a long way.”
They added, “Once you get past barriers stopping you from facing up to your fears, you can unlock unbeatable experiences.”