A FEAR of heights is not holding a Caterham businessman back as he tackles his phobia head-on.
In May Glen O'Dwyer featured in BBC documentary Vertigo Road Trip where he and others confronted their demons with a series of sky-high challenges.
He had to ascend the 820-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai and a summit in the Austrian Alps.
Afterwards he described the sensation as "fascinating, terrifying and moving."
And last week the father-of-two continued his rehabilitation.
He not only went up Blackpool Tower but also tackled The Big One – a stomach-churning roller coaster ride which soars to a height of 235 feet.
Mr O'Dwyer, 46, had extremely mixed feelings afterwards.
He said: "The rollercoaster was just stupid. Ludicrous. I was absolutely terrified and had my eyes closed for most of the ride.
"I did peek them open when we got to the top but quickly closed them again. But at least I did it – some people wouldn't have dared take on the challenge."
Mr O'Dwyer also mastered Blackpool Tower's viewing platform, although he admitted looking down through its glass floor left him feeling shaky.
He added: "Now I'm much more confident in high places but it's still a constant challenge. I was determined to overcome my fear of heights.
"I didn't want it to affect my two young sons, who mean the world to me. Now my children say they are really proud of me."
A member of Caterham Rotary and Round Table groups, Mr O'Dwyer is a director of Computing Solutions in Caterham High Street.
His Ice Bucket Challenge back in August ended in pain – soaking wet after completing the challenge in his back garden, he ran indoors only to crack his kneecap against the door frame. He also twisted his wrist and had to have his arm in a brace for several days afterwards.
