Manchester Diocese takes on the Infinity Bridge Challenge for MU150 

When Mothers’ Union in Manchester Diocese began thinking about how to celebrate the organisation’s 150th anniversary, they decided that a special anniversary called for something a little out of the ordinary. 

Fundraising organiser Rosemary Taylor explored several more traditional ideas but wanted to show that Mothers’ Union is about much more than tea and cake in the church hall! Inspired by a conversation with fellow member Cath Hilton about taking on the Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine, Rosemary helped turn an ambitious idea into a memorable fundraising challenge. 

Reflecting on how the challenge came about, Rosemary said: ‘Whose idea was this? This question was asked several times throughout our challenge! Apparently, it was mine, although I still insist that I wouldn’t have considered it if Cath hadn’t mentioned she would like to complete the Infinity Bridge!’ 

Fortunately, Mothers’ Union members volunteered to take part alongside friends and supporters from across the diocese. On Saturday 27 June, the team gathered at Honister Slate Mine, complete with their MU150 banner and matching socks, ready for the adventure ahead. 

Before anyone could tackle the bridge itself, there was the small matter of harnesses and helmets. For some, getting kitted out proved almost as challenging as the crossing to come, particularly for those who discovered they needed children’s helmets to fit their smaller heads. Even the spectators were required to wear helmets, causing some confusion until later in the day when the reasons became clear. 

After travelling up the mountain by bus, members made their way to the start of the route, clipping safety lines onto handrails and climbing iron rungs set into the rock face before finally reaching the main attraction: the Infinity Bridge itself. Suspended 1,000 feet above sea level and stretching 190 metres across the mountainside, the bridge was enough to test even the steadiest nerves. 

The first group set off while those waiting their turn listened from afar as songs drifted back across the valley. Whether the singing was for enjoyment or reassurance remained unclear. As they watched, the waiting group entertained themselves with suggestions for an appropriate soundtrack, including ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘I Would Walk 500 Miles’ and ‘Do Not Be Afraid’. 

The gusts of wind proved stronger than many had anticipated, leading to plenty of pauses while the group waited for calmer moments before continuing. Once again, Mothers’ Union members had achieved the seemingly impossible. 

The second group soon followed. One participant bravely paused halfway across to pose like a flamingo with hands off the safety wires, while another spent much of the crossing worrying that an untied shoelace might send a trainer tumbling into the ravine below. Meanwhile, Dennis took a more technical approach, explaining the engineering behind the bridge and discussing bolts and cables while everyone else concentrated on staying upright. Thankfully, every participant reached the other side safely and was reunited with the first group and the supporters. 

The journey back through the mine tunnels proved to be another adventure altogether, with uneven tracks underfoot and varying roof heights explaining at last why spectators had also needed hard hats. Back at the main site, harnesses were removed, congratulations shared, and everyone enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea. 

The challenge attracted plenty of attention throughout the day. The team’s banner and matching socks prompted conversations with visitors and staff about Mothers’ Union and the reasons behind their adventure. By the end of the day, the team had raised £2,000 for MU150 celebrations, with donations continuing to arrive long after the harnesses had been returned and the helmets packed away. 

The Infinity Bridge Challenge may not be everyone’s idea of an anniversary celebration, but for the Manchester team it proved a memorable way to mark 150 years of Mothers’ Union – and perhaps challenge a few assumptions along the way. Whether anyone is ready for Honister’s 30-metre freefall jump next remains another question entirely!