A rollercoaster enthusiast’s bid to ride every rollercoaster in the UK in just 16 days has hit a twist worthy of a theme park plotline — but the dream isn’t over yet.
Dean Stokes, 36, from Brighton, set out to conquer 120 rollercoasters across 32 theme parks, beginning his high-speed adventure at Brighton Palace Pier and planning to finish at Thorpe Park in Surrey.
However, just days into the challenge, Storm Floris brought strong winds and heavy rain, forcing multiple theme park closures and leaving Stokes stranded less than a third of the way through his quest.
Despite the setback, Stokes says all is not lost. “Guinness World Records has been in touch, and there’s still a possibility that my attempt could qualify for a world record — just not the one I originally had in mind,” he revealed.
While the weather may have stalled his original plan, Stokes remains optimistic. “It’s been an absolute whirlwind, literally and figuratively,” he joked. “Even if I don’t break the exact record I set out for, it’s been a ride I’ll never forget.”
Guinness World Records has yet to confirm which category Stokes could qualify for, but the rollercoaster fanatic says he’s ready to climb back into the seat — rain or shine — to finish what he started.
