A daredevil boy from Southport with a huge heart has ridden an extraordinary 100 roller coasters to support the Elsie’s Story charity! 

This Friday, 5 June 2026, Emile Hazlehurst, aged 10, will complete his challenge by courageously walking 235ft to the top of ‘The Big 1’ roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Emile, a pupil in Year 5 at Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale in Southport, really does have a head for heights and a passion for fairgrounds.  

Emile’s proud Mum, Carla Hazlewood, said:- “Elsie’s Story is a charity close to our hearts. We have witnessed and benefitted from the incredible work Elsie’s Story has already done for our community. Emile is 10 and is excited to fundraise for Elsie’s Story. It’s taken some time but the challenge is nearly done! The minimum age to walk the Big Walk on The Big One is usually 12 but after months of messaging, Blackpool Pleasure Beach finally gave him special permission to do it because it’s for such a wonderful charity." 

She continued:- “His challenge had 2 parts. The 1st part was to reach 100 different roller coasters ridden  - he’s been going on them since he was little - which he completed over May half term. I’ve added various updates to the fundraising page so people could follow along. Over the last year he’s been wearing his Elsie’s Story t-shirts to different theme parks, which led to the fundraising idea. He loves to ride the roller coasters but he’s definitely more apprehensive to walk up this Friday, as am I!!! This challenge for Emile is about achieving your goals, facing your fears and doing what you love, but most importantly to spread awareness of Elsie’s Story and support the incredible work they do. I’d be extremely grateful for any help from people in the community, so any support or shares would be brilliant.” 

To support Emile, you can donate here.