The curate of St Peter’s Addingham, near Skipton, Revd David Austin was one of twenty ‘revs on a rollercoaster’ who held on to their dog collars and took their faith to new heights last week.
The clerics braved the ‘Big One’, the biggest rollercoaster in the UK at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to raise money for the work of the Children’s Society.(David is circled on the picture, left)
They were joined by children from one of the Children’s Society local programmes as well as by Linda Nolan of the Nolan Sisters, ex-Bond girl Shannon Ledbetter, and Gogglebox star Reverend Kate Bottley.
The mile long ride is said to be the fasters and scariest in the UK. It climbs to a height of 235 feet before plunging at 65 degrees and 87 mph.
David Austin (pictured, left, just before the ride) said it was a challenge he couldn’t resist despite his fear. “I don’t have a head for heights” he confessed. “The worst part was the climb up and the anticipation. We were also given a bacon sandwich just before we went on - which might not have been very wise!”
But he added, “For many a day on a theme park is a distant dream. By supporting the work of the Children’s Society, we don’t just help them survive, we help them flourish.”
Each rider pledged to raise at least £500 and so far David says he has raised £600 with lots of local support. All money they raise from the ride will go towards the work of the society with some of the UK's most disadvantaged children, including those living in poverty.
Find out more about the work of the Children's Society here