‘Ultimate’ rollercoaster riders pay the price for 60-minute trip

THRILL-SEEKERS paid £100 each to stay on Europe’s longest rollercoaster for a stomach-churning 60 minutes.

Seventy-six passengers splashed out to ride the Ultimate rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley theme park at Ripon, North Yorkshire, notching up 15 miles in 10 laps over the course of an hour.

The ‘Ride-a-Thon’ charity event yesterday morning raised money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which is Lightwater Valley’s nominated charity.

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Although some of the intrepid riders may have been left feeling a bit green around the gills the ambulance charity bosses and park chiefs were delighted with their fund-raising efforts.

Ashley Young, marketing manager of Lightwater Valley, said: “We think the Ultimate Ride-a-Thon is a really fun way to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“We’re extremely proud to be able to nominate the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as our chosen charity for the year.

“The people working for YAA provide an absolutely brilliant service, saving lives on a daily basis across Yorkshire – but it’s a charity, and without help from the donors, they simply won’t be able to afford to keep flying.”

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Each rider pledged to raise a minimum of £100 each for the privilege of riding the Ultimate for an hour.

Their generosity raised at least £7,600 - just a few hundred pounds more than it costs per day to keep both of Yorkshire’s Air Ambulances maintained and in the air.

The ambulances fly seven days a week, 365 days a year, covering a vast area including cities as well as rural and isolated locations.

Abby McClymont, of the YAA, said: “We are thrilled that Lightwater Valley has chosen to support the YAA this year and we are very much looking forward to helping them raise as much money as possible for the YAA over the next 12 months.”