ALWAYS pushing volunteers to the limit with fun ways to raise cash the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust this week organised a marathon ride on the Big One rollercoaster. The Citizen sent along fearless - or so he claims - reporter David Higgerson to join in the fun . . .

NOTHING to it! That's the only way I can describe riding around the Big One . . . five times non-stop!

I joined 29 other fundraisers on the fastest, steepest rollercoaster in the world as we set about helping the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, which aims to identify and provide matching bone marrow donors for patients suffering from leukaemia.

After pestering my colleagues at the Citizen and friends, all of whom gave generously, I arrived at the Pleasure Beach ready to hit the Big One. I boarded the train, anxious to get it over with, and to be honest, the worst bit is climbing up because you are anticipating a steep drop, which is exactly what you get!

It was only during trip number three that I finally plucked up the courage to starting waving. Big mistake.

As I waved and went over the top of the first climb, my arms were sucked alongside my body, but it was a great experience.

By the end, my courageous companions, or fellow fools depending on your point of view, were beginning to say that this was only the practice run, because it was just too easy!

Steve Joyce, Trust area manager, declined to go on the ride, saying he was an old pro as he did it last year.

He said: "We have raised a nice sum of money today and we are expecting around £3,000 by the end of it. We would like to thank every-one who took part."

OK, what's next? Bungee jumping, parachute freefall? Easy!

It's not too late to make a donation to the Trust. Just call the Citizen newsdesk on (01253) 729081.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.