THEY say life is one big roller-coaster. And it will certainly be for a Hampshire funfair fan.

For Mike Torr, pictured above, from Hedge End, will be spending the whole day riding the Treetops coaster at Oakwood Leisure Park in Wales.

Tomorrow he and three fellow members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain will be hitting those high rollers in a novel fundraiser for SANE - the mental health charity.

The fearless foursome will be making between 200 and 250 circuits of the track, each lasting around two minutes.

Mike, 39, who is a software developer, said: "We will all remain on the ride at all times, except for toilet breaks and one long break of 30 minutes."

Only one rider will be allowed off the train at any time and they expect to cover a distance of 50 miles.

So far they have raised several hundred pounds for SANE and they hope their sponsored roller-coaster marathon will give it an even bigger boost.

Mike is no stranger to this particular fun ride and says: "I have ridden this coaster four times in the past.

"So I know that while it is not the most extreme ride in the world, it certainly takes the bends fast enough for us to have a few bruises by the end of the day.

"This will be no pleasure cruise - especially if the weather is unkind - as the station is roofless."

It will go at a fairly leisurely speed of 22.4mph but Mike says there are some fairly tight bends.

Mike remembers that his first roller-coaster ride was when he was seven years old at Butlin's in Wales.

"It was called the Wild Mouse and I remember going on there with my dad."

And over the years Mike, who is a bit of a speed junkie, says his passion for roller-coasters has grown.

He said: "I like the feeling of zero gravity in my stomach and going through things like tunnels and waterfalls."

Although he has a strong stomach he has not yet planned the meal he will have during the 30 minute breather from the all-day roller-coaster journey.

Founded in 1988, the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain is aimed at uniting roller-coaster enthusiasts. And the age group is from eight to 80.

Mike said: "The club is like one big family and we all have a good laugh."

Currently there are well over 1,000 members worldwide who share the same dedication and enthusiasm for roller-coasters.

They also help to preserve roller-coasters threatened with closure. The enthusiasts also promote the enjoyment and safety of roller-coasters and rides.

The club organises regular visits to major UK parks with exclusive ride sessions plus trips to similar attractions across Europe and America.