Addingham fundraiser's bumps and bruises in name of charity (From Ilkley Gazette)

Addingham fundraiser's bumps and bruises in name of charity

10:00am Friday 19th October 2012 in Local news

A charity fundraiser braved rollercoaster rides all day Sunday in his bid to collect sponsorship for his trek up Kilimanjaro next year.

Addingham’s Jon Shaw, 49, had no fewer than 26 rides on The Ultimate rollercoaster at North Yorkshire theme park Lightwater Valley in his quest to raise money in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society.

Mr Shaw needs to collect a total of £3,900 to take part in the trek, due to take place in January. He has taken on the challenge to mark his 50th birthday next year and as a tribute to his late father-in-law, Walter Gray, who suffered dementia.

Following the advice of the theme park staff, he equipped himself with elbow and knee pads for the rides, but admits he still sustained a few bruises.

Mr Shaw said: “I was okay on Sunday night, but during the next day, I felt more and more like I’d been hit by a freight train.”

Climbing up to 107 feet at its highest point, The Ultimate is the world’s second longest rollercoaster.

Mr Shaw has raised about half of the money he needs for the Kilimanjaro trek, and is looking at further fundraising ideas, including making Christmas cakes. Visit justgiving.com/Jon-Shaw2013 to sponsor him.