Flint: Banana Ben’s raises £300 for Hope House with cycling challenge
Dan Haycocks from Banana Ben’s indoor play centre in Flint cycled 85 miles on a static bike while dressed as a banana.
The challenge, equivalent to the distance from Flint to Wales’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), took around six hours to complete. The 42-year-old raised £300 for Hope House children’s hospice through the effort.
Ashlea Allen, manager of Banana Ben’s in Flint, said the idea came from a team discussion about how to support local charities. “We had many different ideas, but the cycling banana seemed to be one that would also entertain our younger audience who were coming along for our Halloween events,” she said.
Dan, co-owner of Banana Ben’s, explained the ride was tougher than expected. “It was very warm in the banana costume, but the support from all of our lovely customers and the endless high fives from the children passing through were what kept me going, knowing I was raising money for a worthy cause.
“It was a great atmosphere. Lots of parents would come and keep me company over the fence and cheer me on. We had Halloween events on in the centre and the music was fuelling me.”
Hope House is a cause close to the team’s heart. “Hope House has always been important to our team, and our play centre is situated near a Hope House on Flintshire Retail Park. We thought it would be the perfect collaboration,” said Ashlea.
The team is now continuing its fundraising as part of Hope House’s Quality Moments Matter campaign, where all donations made on 23 and 24 November will be doubled by the charity’s sponsors.
Both Banana Ben’s play centres, in Flint and Wrexham, will hold raffles featuring prizes such as free admissions, meal deals and discounts on party bookings.
Tickets can be bought in person at either location or by calling 01352 720 573 (Flint) or 01978 449 897 (Wrexham). The raffle will be drawn on the evening of Monday 24 November, with winners announced on social media.
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