Thrill-seeker to attempt to ride 120 rollercoasters in UK in just over two weeks
Mr Stokes worked for five years at Google before leaving the corporate ladder to set up his own business delivering technology training, having grown tired of being unable to try new things.
The former UK head of Google for Education decided to set up his own YouTube channel as part of his new work and has already seen his videos about his planned adventure viewed hundreds of thousands of times across social media platforms.
Mr Stokes, from Brighton, in East Sussex, told his former Google colleague Simon Fasolo, 44, about his plan to travel the UK in pursuit of the aim.
And Mr Fasolo, from Perth, Australia, decided it would be a great way to explore the country – despite hating rollercoasters himself and refusing to join his friend on the rides.
The two will begin at Brighton Palace Pier, home to the Crazy Mouse and Turbo rollercoasters, and, according to the route map on the deanrides.com website, hope to have conquered four parks and eight rides in total by the end of the first day.
Mr Stokes said: 'I've ridden over 100 rollercoasters in around 25 different theme parks across 10 different countries.
'But I still haven't actually ridden loads of rollercoasters in the UK, so I just thought, why not?
'One of the reasons I left the corporate world was to have a bit more variety in the work that I do and so starting the YouTube channel on the tech side was part of that.
'And I just thought, if I was going to make a channel that was completely different to that, what would it be? And it would probably be rollercoasters and theme parks because I'm a big fan.
'I've included every rollercoaster that's classed as a thrill or extreme rollercoaster, to avoid family and children's rides. But we plan to do all of them consecutively.
'As far as I know, I think I'll be the first person to do it – the only person mad enough to do it.'
Mr Stokes said he is open to ideas or suggestions from his followers on social media of tasks within the challenge.
The duo have booked around half of the hotels, and plan to travel in a hire car, but delays and unforeseen issues could lead to a stressful journey.
He said: 'I think it's going to be quite a lot of stress at points, but I'm looking forward to it overall.
'On social media, I realised it was really resonating with people.
'I think people want to go out and have fun and I think that often we are too scared to get out and just do the things that we love, especially as adults.
'There's this whole community out there that loves theme parks, whether they're proper enthusiasts or just people that like going in the summer with their family, and they are now really excited to follow my progress.'
He added: 'Someone commented and said it is the UK theme park enthusiast's dream. It might be difficult, so I'll have to decide whether it feels like a dream at the end of it or not.
There are theme parks the two plan to visit across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and they are planning on driving to Dublin for an extra set of rides in the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Stokes is excited to support many of the amusement parks which are run as independent businesses, as well as visiting historic seaside resorts, such as Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, which is over a hundred years old.
He has asked for permission to film for his YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, and a number of the theme parks have even offered him free tickets.
Mr Stokes said: 'A lot of the parks have come back to me and are really on board with the whole idea.
'I need the good summer weather to continue, as I've only packed shorts and T-shirts, and one jacket. But if it all goes to plan, it should be a great trip
'And I'm already looking for inspiration for my next challenge once it's complete – I think the natural next step would be to choose another country and do the same.
'Germany has loads of world world-class theme parks, so we could go and do it there.
'But maybe it could be a country that I've never been to. I know Japan has a few theme parks that'd be cool to get around. But I'll do well to finish this challenge first.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
'World's strangest country' with deserted ghost capital to finally open up to tourists
Turkmenistan, a former Soviet state, welcomes very few foreign visitors a year and is centered around a strange capital, Ashgabat, that is largely empty. That may soon change. One of the most isolated and 'strangest' countries in the world is preparing to open itself up to more visitors. Former Soviet state Turkmenistan is a funny old place. Jordan Egbert, who runs the Counting Countries YouTube channel, offered his audience a peek into his travels through Turkmenistan, and concluded: 'This is the strangest country in the world – there are no people around anywhere.' Jordan was shocked to find out that the capital city, Ashgabat, was full of lavish monuments, sparkling shopping centres and hotels, but all of them were empty. 'The question is, where is everyone?' he asked. 'After visiting more than 130 countries, this place is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The president requires all buildings and cars to be white. Tourists are under strict requirements to have a guide with them at all times and are banned from visiting certain places and cities.' His visit came ahead of an announcement that some tourists to the US may soon have to pay a $15,000 bond. The content creator also ventured into an airport that appeared to house more staff than travellers, before examining government buildings, a graveyard, and traditional nomadic tent settlements. He additionally revealed that Turkmenistan blocks access to most online platforms and applications, with Wi‑Fi being 'pretty much non‑existent.' Jordan discovered that even the tourist trail was deserted. A popular swimming spot and the famous Door to Hell gas crater were empty, as was a plush yurt camp. The YouTuber claimed that the capital's airport had more staff than passengers. There would be a good reason for that. Turkmenistan welcomes very few tourists each year. While exact figures are difficult to obtain due to the government's secretive nature, most inbound estimates are well below 100,000 each year. Some put them as low as 7,000, in a country of seven million. That could soon change, however. In April, the country's legislature approved procedures enabling would‑be foreign visitors to obtain e‑visas, Eurasianet reported. That should make obtaining a visa much easier than the current, complex, and baffling system, which can take months and result in a denial without any reason. Hopeful visitors have to score a Letter of Introduction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after booking their visit with a government‑approved tour operator, before the visa is granted, meaning you need to be willing to stump up money before your trip is guaranteed. Although e‑visas have yet to come into force, when they do, it'll be possible to get a visa online without needing a Letter of Introduction, according to CNN. Prospective holidaymakers will still need a 'sponsor' in Turkmenistan, which means booking onto a tour.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From clever apps & free games to animal web cams & fun ways to get kids moving – how you can use screens for good
Plus some podcasts you'll enjoy too! SCREEN QUEENS From clever apps & free games to animal web cams & fun ways to get kids moving – how you can use screens for good WITH the long summer ahead, parents may find themselves relying on screens more than they would like to keep the kids entertained. A recent survey found that a third of mums and dads will be using phones, tablets and TVs to fill up the six-week break. 8 There is plenty of content online for kids that can be enriching and engaging Credit: Getty But this doesn't have to mean rotting your children's brains or exposing them to online dangers. If you choose carefully, there is plenty of content that can be enriching and engaging – and won't break the bank. Here's our pick of the best . . . OPEN THEIR MINDS WITH YOUTUBE THERE are dozens of great educational channels on YouTube. Using the YouTube Kids app, select the channels you want them to see and limit everything else. 8 MC Grammar is the rapper alter-ego of teacher Jacob Mitchell Credit: Times Media Ltd A great pick is MC Grammar, the rapper alter-ego of teacher Jacob Mitchell. His channel is full of rap versions of favourite books by authors such as David Walliams and Julia Donaldson, and he also raps the times tables. Or try Kids Invent Stuff, run by engineer and inventor Ruth Amos. Kids will have hours of fun in the garden with The Range's bargain buy - it also lights up, plays music & is on sale Children send in drawings of inventions, which Ruth and her team then have a go at making. So far they've made everything from doorbells that explode popcorn to a 6ft unicorn that poops jelly babies – combining science with a whole load of fun. 8 CBeebies presenter Maddie Moate's channel is full of educational and entertaining content Credit: youtube/maddiemoate CBeebies presenter Maddie Moate's channel is packed full of educational and entertaining content for all ages, including one about how astronauts poo in space and another all about exploding cucumbers. She also has a second channel, Let's Go Live, with co-host Greg Foot. It features easy science activities to do at home, using items bought from the supermarket, so kids can put their learning into practice. GET THEIR BODIES MOVING TOO SCREEN time isn't an excuse to be a couch potato, so check out Cosmic Kids Yoga, available as a YouTube channel and an app. Yoga instructor Jaime Amor helps them practise yoga moves to songs and stories, such as Room On The Broom or Moana. 8 Cosmic Kids Yoga helps get kids moving Jaime also has a Peace Out series, which introduces mindfulness to children aged five and upwards – perfect for calming overactive rascals. SEE THE WORLD FROM THE SOFA YOU don't have to get on a plane this summer to see the world, thanks to innovative website The site features live webcams dotted all over the globe, ranging from an aquarium in Monterey Bay, California, and bird sanctuaries, to an elephant park in Tembe, South Africa. 8 Use innovative website to see the world Credit: They even have cameras located in a puppy play room and a kitten rescue centre. It's live, so you never know what will cross your screen – and if you're lucky you might see something super special. PLAY GAMES IF your kids are badgering you for expensive games or consoles, steer them to ones you're already paying for through streaming subscriptions. On Netflix, head to the main screen and click on the Games tab. 8 On Netflix you can play games such as Sonic Mania Plus Credit: Credit: Chris Willson / Alamy Stock Photo Options, which include Sonic Mania Plus, can then be played using a smartphone as a controller. The games do not work with an Apple TV. Amazon Prime offers a selection of free games to download, usually available to play on your PC. The choice refreshes every month. And on Sky TV, head to the app to access a load of kid-friendly games that they can play on the telly. The range includes retro options such as Pac-Man and Tetris. PODCASTS THEY WILL LOVE… GOT a long car journey coming up? If so, it's time to download a podcast. Most of them are free on either Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 8 The Bust Or Trust podcast investigates some of Earth's most interesting mysteries Try Bust Or Trust, which investigates some of Earth's most interesting mysteries, including supposedly haunted paintings, aliens and the truth behind Stonehenge. Younger kids will be entranced by Thomas & Friends Storytime, a weekly podcast with tales about the origins of the engines – and plenty of life lessons too. But kids of all ages will love Story Pirates. With help from comedians, songwriters and celebrity guests, the hosts bring to life stories that have been written by children. Recent episodes include an interview with a zombie expert and a Dungeons And Dragons special. It's an award-winning series with weekly episodes plus a huge back catalogue to enjoy. For budding history buffs, there's You're Dead To Me, where comedians and expert historians have funny chats which should keep the whole family engaged. Episodes have covered everything, from Arctic exploration to King Arthur. And at the end of a long day, Sleep Tight Stories has lots of child-friendly tales which promise to send your little ones off to sleep. …PODCASTS YOU'LL LOVE TOO IF you've got older kids, there's a wealth of podcasts that are aimed at adults but have lots to offer teens too. The Rest Is History is hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, and they have a real knack for explaining history in simple terms. 8 Ed Gamble and James Acaster's Off Menu podcast gives hours of entertainment Another great option is Stuff You Should Know, hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. They are able to explain just about anything, from the origins of ketchup to what lurks in the catacombs of Paris. But if it's a simple laugh they're after, then the Off Menu podcast will serve up hours of entertainment. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster interview celebrity guests all about food, asking them to pick their favourite starters, sides, mains and deserts. Recent episodes have included Marvel star Sebastian Stan and Star Wars' Daisy Ridley, as well as actor David Tennant. If you've got a teen who loves movies, a great option is Film Sack. Four hosts watch an old movie – one that's available on streaming services – and give it a playful review over the course of 90 minutes. This is best if you have older teens. The show is largely clean, though that will depend a little bit on the movie that's being 'sacked' (ripped apart). Recent episodes have included a look at Ocean's Twelve and The Goonies.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Metro
Fortnite's Power Rangers live action trailer is easily its best one ever
The newest Fortnite season kicks off this week and will feature collaborations with the Power Rangers and Halo. It's often difficult to get excited about new Fortnite crossovers, not because there's too many of them (a game with Batman, Darth Vader, and Goku in it would've sounded impossible a decade ago) but because they're always leaked out weeks in advance by dataminers. As such, fans often know who will pop up in the next season before Epic Games says anything official. The most recent example being the Power Rangers, with reliable Fortnite dataminers claiming skins based on the original 90s TV show would arrive as part of the next season. So, how can Epic Games generate hype for something everybody already knows about (other than doing a better job of hiding unannounced content in the game's files)?The answer: a really good and genuinely fun live action trailer. Earlier today, the Fortnite YouTube channel uploaded a trailer for Fortnite Chapter 6: Season 4, subtitled Shock 'N Awesome, which begins this Thursday on August 7 and looks to involve the island being invaded by alien bugs. We'd have thought Ellen Ripley would be the one called in to help with that one, but she's already a skin in Fortnite, so the Power Rangers have been picked instead. Their arrival suddenly causes the animated cinematic to shift to live action and the trailer essentially turns into a fight scene from the original show. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Aside from it having the same aspect ratio and grainy film quality, the rangers themselves are in actual suits and the bugs are reimagined as the kind of dopey looking 'just guys in suits' monsters you'd see in the show. The same goes for Fortnite characters like Peely (the sentient banana). The special effects are more modern, such as the red ranger summoning a minigun, but anyone with nostalgia for the 90s show will be suckered in, especially since a rendition of the Power Rangers theme song plays throughout. Early responses from fans on YouTube are very positive, with more than a few describing it as one of the best trailers Fortnite has ever done, if not one of the best gaming trailers ever. The trailer doesn't indicate what sort of cosmetics will be available in the new season, but according to dataminers like ShiinaBR, it will include skins for the red, blue, black, yellow, and pink rangers. More Trending The ending graphic features the green ranger so he's undoubtedly a skin as well, plus what is clearly a spartan from Halo, corroborating leaks that Xbox's shooter series will be crossing over this season too. This wouldn't be the first time, since Master Chief was added as a Fortnite skin back in 2020. Since it wasn't exclusive Xbox content, it was weird at the time to see Master Chief appear on PlayStation and Nintendo formats. It's not so bizarre now thanks to Microsoft's multiplatform push, with heavily rumoured plans for Halo games appearing on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Why Fortnite is adding more Halo now is a mystery, but it may hint at a reveal at Gamescom in a few weeks – perhaps the long rumoured, multiformat remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Power Rangers writer admits TV show's racial stereotyping was 'such a mistake' MORE: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind review – go go retro gaming! MORE: Fortnite mobile still not available in UK despite return to US App Store
