LIFE certainly had its ups and downs for one couple who spent seven hours on a roller coaster in a bid to raise more than £3,000 for charity.

Peter Coughlin, 32, from Chepstow Road, Maindee, Newport, and his wife, 26-year-old Liz, were joined by three of Peter's colleagues at RF Brooks, Rogerstone, and Andrew Barley, of New-port Boys Brigade, one of the beneficiaries of the hair-raising fundraising event.

The group spent most of Saturday on the Megaphobia ride at Oakwood Park, Pembrokeshire.

"We hope to raise about £3,000," said Mr Coughlin, who has ridden more than 200 different roller coasters around the world, including rides in California, Las Vegas and Florida.

"So far we have received around £1,500 from work colleagues but we're still getting donations.

"My wife and I did a similar thing six years ago, so this time we were prepared physically and mentally."

Mr Coughlin said despite the opinions of others, he felt it wise to have a good breakfast before taking on the 86ft high ride with 2,958ft of track.

"Your body goes through a lot in those hours and it's good to have food and water inside you," he said.

As a fully-fledged member of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain, Mr Coughlin has eight years of experiencing some of the world's highest, fastest and scariest coasters.

"I have been to Las Vegas and the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere was pretty good," he said.

"I like rides which give me a thrill and I like feeling a little apprehensive before I get on."

"I think it is a bit of escapism - a release from the pressures of work. Just the thrill of doing something that gives you an adrenalin rush.

"The first roller coaster I went on was the Galaxy in Barry, but I became addicted after riding the Corkscrew in Alton Towers."

The money raised will got towards the Boys Brigade and Hospitality Action, the hospitality industry's benevolent charity.