Blackpool big one

Have you heard the one about the Bishop and the Big One? A Lancashire church has challenged its Bishop and a key member of its leadership team to take on a white-knuckle challenge to raise money for a flagship development project.The Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Philip North, and lay reader at St John’s in Lytham, Joanne Hutchinson, have agreed to clamber 235ft up the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach tomorrow evening (Friday).All money raised will go towards extensive works at the back of the church, including disabled facilities, a kitchen and a place where children’s activities can take place.Bishop Philip said: “I’m excited - and a bit apprehensive for Friday night, but I’m sure I will be in good hands. “And with lots of prayer before - and during - the climb, I’m certain it will turn out to be a great night and will hopefully raise lots of money for a wonderful cause.“It will also be amazing to see Blackpool and the surrounding area … [Read more...] about Bishop’s climb to the heavens up Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Big One rollercoaster

The Bishop of Burnley is preparing to climb to the heavens - by climbing the highest rollercoaster in Europe. It will not be the first time the Bishop has attempted a daring stunt – not long after being made a Bishop in 2015 he abseiled down the outside of St John’s Church tower in Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley.Amazingly, Bishop Philip admits he is uncomfortable with heights, but this time at least the stunt will involve a steady climb up steps rather than abseiling down the outside of the rollercoaster structure; and there will be ropes and safety staff on hand as well.He said: “I’m excited, and a bit apprehensive, for Friday night but I’m sure I will be in good hands. And with lots of prayer before, and during, the climb I’m certain it will turn out to be a great night and will hopefully raise lots of money for a wonderful cause.“It will also be amazing to see Blackpool and the surrounding area from such a high and exposed position and to … [Read more...] about Daredevil Bishop praying for help on Big One climb

For years Kaysha Grocott was afraid to ride on roller-coasters because she was worried she was too big to safely enjoy any white knuckle attraction. Now, after losing almost half her bodyweight, Kaysha is looking forward to a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a ride on the Big One. And she says shedding more than eight stone i has given her the confidence to change her job, her relationship, and has even saved her life – as well as giving her a chance to have children in the future. Kaysha, aged 32, said: “I struggled with my weight for a long time. I wanted kids, but I was told I had polycystic overies [a condition where multiple cysts are formed, which can make women less fertile and is often linked to being overweight]. “I was quite slim when I was younger. I worked for the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) at a camp in Germany and it was quite a party lifestyle. Then I came back to the UK and settled back into a normal life. “I lost control of … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to ride the Big One’