Daredevil grandmother, 72, ‘honoured’ to be chief ride tester at Alton Towers

A 72-year-old grandmother of four said she is “honoured” to have been given the role of testing rollercoaster rides at Alton Towers Resort.

Jackie Smith, who lives near Stonehenge in Wiltshire, will be known as Alton Towers’ first chief thrillseeker, testing rides for the theme park.

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.

Jackie Smith became the first woman to be part of the Parachute Regiment, the Red Devils in 1971 (Alton Towers Resort/PA)

In her new role, lasting 12 months, the grandmother of four children aged between two and 11, 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.

“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.

“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.

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.

Jackie Smith will be responsible for testing rollercoaster rides (Alton Towers Resort/PA)

“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.”

Jackie Smith rides the Nemesis Reborn rollercoaster (Alton Towers Resort/PA)

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.

Bianca Sammut, divisional director at Alton Towers Resort, in Staffordshire, said she was “excited” to welcome “a true female trailblazer” to the theme park.

When I joined the army women were forbidden from parachuting

Jackie Smith

“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.”