Brighton rollercoaster fan attempts to ride 120 in UK in 16 days
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ge9dl984jo Version 0 of 1. Dean Stokes is aiming to ride 120 coasters across 32 theme parks in 16 days A man will begin an attempt to ride every rollercoaster in the UK in the space of just over two weeks. Dean Stokes, 36, intends to ride 120 coasters across 32 theme parks in 16 days, starting at Brighton Palace Pier in his home town and ending at Thorpe Park. He hopes to complete eight rides at four parks on the first day and has secured permission to film at many of the sites for his social media channels. Mr Stokes said he has ridden more than 100 rollercoasters in about 25 different theme parks across 10 countries but has not ridden many in the UK, adding: "So I just thought, why not?". He said his map includes every rollercoaster classed as a thrill or extreme, to avoid family and children's rides and a number of venues have offered him free tickets. "As far as I know, I think I'll be the first person to do it – the only person mad enough to do it," he said. Dean (pictured with his wife Caroline) said his next challenge would likely be similar but in a different country Mr Stokes previously worked at Google but said he left to have "more variety" in his work. He set up a technology training business before launching his YouTube channel, where he posts thrill-seeking videos, which he says "really resonate" with his viewers. He said: "I think people want to go out and have fun and I think that often we are too scared to get out and just do the things that we love, especially as adults." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. |