Meet the York woman doing 52 ‘new things’ every year

A woman who set herself the task of doing 52 new things each year says it has given her confidence and allowed her to meet amazing people after so far completing almost 400 challenges in seven years.

Among other things, Sally Millington, 45, from York, has tried bell-ringing, dry-stone walling, cliff camping, wheelchair basketball and stand-up comedy since 2018.

Ms Millington said she would try most things “from the daft to the daring, the easy to the extreme – or anything inbetween”.

With her plans for 2025 now well under way, she said she was hoping for more “micro adventures to big adventures, just anything I’ve never tried”.

Ms Millington explained that the idea first came about when she received a voucher to try climbing and she loved it.

“I thought, I want more of this in my life,” she said.

“So, in 2018 I decided to do 52 things – no matter what they are, it’s got to be new to me – and have a go.

“I love finding out about other people, challenging myself, doing things I’ve not done before. There’s so much going on.”

Ms Millington’s challenges have so far also included barefoot running, blacksmithing, beekeeping and busking on the streets of York in a turkey outfit playing Christmas songs on a kazoo.

“Whether it’s a new craft, or a new adventurous activity, whether it’s something new in the world of sport, it’s just brilliant,” she said.

“You learn so much about yourself, your confidence. You make connections with people, with your existing ideas, which builds your creative thinking and your critical thinking,” she said.

However, Ms Millington said there was just one thing she would not try – and that was bungee jumping.

Other than that, she said she just hoped other people would try her approach and attempt new things.

“I know it sounds frivolous and self-indulgent, but I recommend people give it a go,” she said.

“Step out of your comfort zone. No matter how big or small that step is, it just makes such a difference.”

She added that she had “met some amazing people who I would never have ordinarily met”.

“Whenever I try something new, it’s usually someone who is passionate about what they’re doing who is teaching it or sharing it,” she said.

“There’s nothing better than meeting someone who loves what they’re doing and is sharing that passion – and whatever happens, there’s always a story.”