I wanted to do something completely mad so I rode ICON at Blackpool Pleasure Beach 33 times in a row
“I wanted to do something completely mad but for a good cause.”
A local Blackpool resident has raised an impressive £550 for Brambles Wildlife Rescue after completing a gruelling self-created endurance challenge at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Donna Sanderson took on her “ICON-a-thon” challenge, riding the park’s ICON rollercoaster an astonishing 33 times in a single day. The feat saw her repeatedly experience the ride’s high speeds, loops and intense G-forces from park opening until closing time at 5pm.
Throughout the day, Donna spent hours queuing, riding and returning straight back for more, demonstrating remarkable determination in support of a cause close to her heart. Staff at Blackpool Pleasure Beach watched on in amazement as she continued the challenge from morning through to the end of the day.
Donna set herself the ambitious goal to raise vital funds for Brambles Wildlife Rescue, a dedicated centre that provides care and rehabilitation for injured, orphaned and vulnerable wildlife. Brambles Wildlife Rescue praised Donna’s efforts, saying her support will help provide vital food, medicines and care for the many animals they rescue.
What began as an individual fundraising effort soon became a shared challenge, with friends joining Donna for as many rides as they could manage. Her friend Amber completed an impressive 13 rides alongside her, while local resident Chris managed six rides before bringing his day on ICON to an end.
The challenge has raised valuable funds for Brambles Wildlife Rescue while highlighting the dedication of supporters willing to go to extraordinary lengths to help the charity continue its work.
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Donna said: “I wanted to do something completely mad but for a good cause. Brambles does such amazing work for wildlife, and knowing the money would help animals in need kept me going through every ride.”
Donna’s friend Damo filmed and edited the entire event, capturing the highs, lows, screams and determination throughout the challenge.
Damo said: “Watching Donna push herself through all 33 rides was unbelievable. There were moments we thought she might tap out, but she kept going. It was important to capture it all because it shows just how much she cared about raising money for Brambles.”