A FORMER ride operator at Oakwood Theme Park recently completed an epic seven-hour charity ‘ride-athon’ on board the white-knuckle rollercoaster Speed, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Craig Asparassa, from Pembroke Dock, completed an extraordinary 125 runs on the ride to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Despite suffering the effects of near-constant G-forces on his body for extended periods of time, Craig credits the support of family, friends, staff and visitors for helping him to successfully complete the challenge.

He has already achieved his initial goal of raising £500 for the cancer charity, as a way to show his gratitude for their help with members of his own family, and is now hoping to raise even more money.

“It was certainly a gruelling experience and I am still feeling the effects of it today,” said Craig after the event.

“I am delighted we managed to hit our donation target and that was helped hugely by £115 donated by customers in the park who were kind enough to donate throughout the day.

“The best part of the whole experience was the constant encouragement from colleagues and I couldn't believe the amount of support I had from customers urging me to keep going.

“It really did have a great feel about the whole day, even though my stomach was saying different,” he added.

Travelling at speeds of close to 100 kph and pulling up to four Gs, Speed features everything from a beyond vertical drop at 97 degrees and -1 G camel hump to a 110 degree flying turn and a vertical loop.

Anyone who would still like to donate to support Craig’s challenge can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Craig-Asparassa