A LOCAL couple are walking up Britain's highest rollercoaster in memory of their son who tragically died just weeks after being born.
Nicola and Daniel Fish, from Caergwrle, are climbing 'The Big One', based at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, in July - a month very close to their hearts.
July will mark the fifth anniversary of the death of their newborn son, Leo.
The 13-week-old died from an undiagnosed heart condition following a brave 71-day fight in intensive care at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Ever since the tragedy, Nicola and Daniel, along with their other two children, have pledged to honour his memory by fundraising for other children currently in hospital and other good causes.
On this occasion, the walk up 'The Big One', formely known as the Pepsi Max rollercoaster, will be raising money for two young girls with life-limiting illnesses.
Six-year-old Amelia Thomson was on the same ward as Leo at Alder Hey, and has Down syndrome and a heart problem. Nicola and Daniel are hoping to raise enough money to buy her a trampoline as her parents say it will help with her development and strengthen her legs.
Four-year-old Anona Roberts-Bowen, also has a life-limiting illness. She loves balloons and they are raising money to get her a helium tank so she never runs short.
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To do so, on July 8 they are walking up the biggest and scariest ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach - which towers over the skyline as the UK’s tallest rollercoaster and regularly resounds to the shrieks and screams of holidaymakers enjoying the daredevil fun.
Wearing a harness and protective clothing, they will conquer the 213 feet high ride - which is a whopping 420 steps.
"It is certainly going to be a challenge," Nicola said.
"Our aim is to raise £500 to give children who have disabilities and life threatening illness toys and equipment to help with their development, and to give them a treat as most of them have been through more than most of us will do in a lifetime."
Nicola and Daniel are no strangers to fundraising, raising thousands for good causes alongside their children, Sonny and Evie.
In October of 2018, a medical camp was set up in Bangalore, India in Leo's memory.
Named Leo the Lion Camp, it saw a specialist medical team from the UK fly out to India whereby they conducted operations at Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Medical Sciences Hospital on children with life-threatening heart conditions.
It saw 16 children receiving potentially life-saving operations.
Nicola said: "Since Leo died almost five years ago, we have kept our promise by telling his story and raising money in his name by doing various walks, mountain climbing, fun days, raffles, bingo - but this walk will be our most challenging yet.
"Please sponsor as much as you can as it will really help and put a smile on their faces."
To make a donation to the fundraiser, please visit https://bit.ly/39R2dM2
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