Woman, 99, achieves dream of being knife-thrower’s target during circus performance

A 99-year-old former circus worker has achieved her lifelong dream of having knives thrown at her during a live circus performance.

Annie Duplock from Sharnford in Leicestershire took centre stage after the performance’s finale and stood against a board as blades were hurled at her by a professional knife thrower.

She had persuaded her daughter to approach her former boss, Zippo Circus founder Martin Burton, whose circus was performing at Hearsall Common in Coventry.

“Annie worked for me 30 years ago, putting up posters,” Mr Burton said, introducing her to a cheering crowd.

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