TAXI driver Gary Grant had never been on the Big Dipper before when he volunteered to spend 100 hours on the white knuckle ride!

Gary, of Shenstone Avenue, Blackpool, is taking part in the charity ride with 11 other brave souls who applied for the roller coaster marathon.

The 34-year-old father of three will be raising money for the Trinity Hospice and for the Blackpool 21st scout group where two of his sons are members.

Gary said: "I was 11 years old when my dad died of cancer and I will always remember him suffering and that's why I want to raise money for the hospice."

The riders will spend four days and four hours on the Big Dipper, beginning at 7am on June 16.

They will be allowed a five-minute break every hour.

A second charity run starts on June 24, and student and Louise Gunia, of Clifton Drive North, St Annes, has been chosen to take part.

The Lytham St Annes High School sixth-former will be raising money for the David Lewis Forget Me Not epilepsy appeal.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Gary should contact Roger at the Trinity Hospice on 358881.

Sponsors for Louise can contact her father Mike on 724652.

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