A ROLLERCOASTER fanatic from Ebbw Vale is planning to spend 40 hours riding the Megafobia at Oakwood Theme Park to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Mark Lewis, 44, is a member of the both the Roller Coaster Club for Great Britain and the European Roller Coaster Club and is hoping to raise £1,000 for the children's hospital.

The rollercoaster, in Pembrokeshire, was voted the best wooden rollercoaster in the UK at the Golden Ticket Awards.

Mr Lewis' challenge will take place over a five day period from July 14 to 18 and will involve spending up to 10 hours at a time on the ride.

In 1996, the part-time DJ raised £1,100 by riding the Megafobia for the children’s ward at Nevill Hall Hospital and in 2010 he rode the attraction for seven hours to raise £1,200 for the Golden Grove Mansion Appeal.

Great Ormond Street is close to Mr Lewis' heart as his son Ryan, 18, was born with a rare blood disorder and was treated at the hospital when he was just three months old.

Mr Lewis, who works at Llanarth Court Hospital, said: "On my previous rideathons, all I could think about was when my little boy was in hospital. That is the main reason why I am doing it.

He added: “Despite what our child was going through, there were always going to be children much worse. That’s what has pushed me on to be honest, it is completely worth it."