It’s never too late to get into this crazy little hobby as Alexander Dangleish got his taste for rollercoasters aged 89 and did something extra special to celebrate his 90th birthday!
90-year-old Alexander decided to ride one of the UK’s tallest rollercoasters for his birthday. Instead of having a sit-down and relaxing one with family Alexander sat down and had the time of his life as he requested a day at Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool to ride his favourite coaster.
The Dangleish family have been visiting Pleasure Beach for years but Alexander himself never braved any of the rides himself as he stayed on the sidelines for many of the family trips.
It was only after his wife passed away in 2023 that Mr Dalgleish recalled that he didn’t want to leave his wife standing alone was the reason why he didn’t go on the rides but had always secretly wanted to try them for himself.
His son, Steven Dalgleish, said:
“Low and behold, the mobility scooter got parked up and he ended up going on most of the rides, much to the amusement of fellow riders. He said he’d had the thrill of his life and wished he’d gone on the rides while mum was alive.
“When we asked him what he would like to do for his 90th he said, without hesitation, that he’d love to go on the rides at Pleasure Beach again. Little did we know that he would turn out to be a closet adrenaline junkie at the age of 89!”
Making the 217 mile journey from their home in Alloa, Scotland Alexander rode the Big One and onlookers couldn’t quite believe it as he boarded the front row and the ride operators announced his milestone birthday.
The crowd sang him Happy Birthday and off he went on the ride.
Mr Dalgleish said:
“We started the day with the Big One followed by other rides and rollercoasters. I didn’t want it to end – eventually the battery on my mobility scooter gave up before I did!
“The day was truly memorable and I hope I can prove to others that age is just a number. We all had a fantastic time and enjoyed every minute.”
The oldest person to ride a rollercoaster on record is 105 years old so he’s quite a way off breaking that record but what an achievement all the same!
Andy Hygate, director of operations at Pleasure Beach Resort said:
“No one is ever too old to ride a rollercoaster! People can ride them so long as they’re physically able to do so and they meet any other safety restrictions, such as health warnings and physical requirements.
“If people are unsure then we recommend checking with their doctor, particularly if they have health conditions. Generally though, age isn’t a barrier to embracing adventure and Mr Dalgleish is proof of that.
