I first felt a fear of heights back in 1980 - when I went to New York on my own (not bad for a 3 year-old....) and I went up the Empire State Building. To be honest, the going up was ok,  looking down on the rooftops of neighbouring skyscrapers was fine too, it was only when I looked UP - and saw the towering transmitter mast above us - literally reaching up into outer space - that I became instantly queezy.

That feeling never really left me. I went up other buildings - much smaller ones too - and still felt that uneasiness.

However I took Weedy into central London at the weekend - Daddy if we go to The Monument via the Northern Line (Bank Branch) and change at King's Cross onto the Circle Line - I've never been on the Circle Line before so I'd like to try it.

Hmmm... I wonder if I'll rue the day he accidentally swallowed that Tube Map.

Unfortunately, and with great sadness, an announcement was made that the Circle Line was closed for engineering works. I tell you what son, if we get off at Bank we can actually exit via Monument Station and we'll be there.

And so we did. And there it was. This tall narrow tower commemorating the site of the outbreak of The Great Fire of London in 1666. Let's go up Daddy. Of course, son.

And, without thinking, up we went - round the seemingly endless spiral and ever-narrowing staircase until we reached the opening that took us out to the tight viewing platform holding the tourists in by a wire cage.

I moved slowly and sheepishly round the column - and I was ok - just.

But I tell you one thing for absolute certain - I did not dare look up - no not even when Weedy shouted - Look up there Daddy, it's the golden flame at the top. I believe you son - I'll have a look when I get down.

On our way down we stopped and hid in the little alcoves making Ghost noises - and this genuinely scared those pesky tourists. I couldn't really tell Weedy off for doing it as I was just as guilty myself - in fact I think I may even have started it.

When we reached the bottom again - the ticket guy gave Weedy a certificate for his achievement - he then looked at my face at that point - because he reached down and gave me one too!

(Carry a donor card)