On the weekend of May 24 and 25, 2025, Toverland theme park hosted the Troy Coaster Challenge. Twenty-four participants rode the Troy wooden coaster for 24 hours to raise funds for the “Stichting Jade” foundation. Despite rain and storms, they collected a record-breaking 71,896 euros to support children with cancer.
Record Donation for Stichting Jade
The Troy Coaster Challenge supported “Stichting Jade,” founded by Jade Kops, who was diagnosed with cancer at 14. Despite her terminal illness, Jade spreads optimism and hope. The foundation provides families with children undergoing cancer treatment with relaxing stays at Villa Jade, a seaside holiday home. René Kops from the foundation expressed his excitement: “We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the Troy Coaster Challenge. The last 24 hours were a true rollercoaster ride. With this amount, we can welcome a family to Villa Jade every week for one and a half years. That’s simply fantastic!” Bart Jaspers, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at Toverland, presented a symbolic check for 71,896 euros.
Challenge Under Tough Conditions
The challenge kicked off on Saturday, May 24, and concluded on Sunday, May 25, at 12:00 PM. Participants completed 285 rides, covering a distance of 307 kilometers. Persistent rain and storms forced nine participants to withdraw, but fifteen persevered. Bart Jaspers described this year’s event as the toughest yet: “It was the most challenging edition so far. Hours of rain and even storms unfortunately meant nine participants couldn’t finish. But all participants are true heroes and contributed to this incredible amount for Stichting Jade.”
Creative Fundraising Efforts
To achieve the record sum, organizers arranged various initiatives. Guests could join participants for rides outside regular park hours. Additionally, Toverland items and experiences were auctioned, and many participants secured sponsorships. These efforts significantly boosted the fundraising success.
The Iconic Troy Wooden Coaster
The challenge took place on the Troy wooden coaster, a visitor favorite since its 2007 debut. Standing 35 meters tall, reaching speeds of 90 km/h, and spanning 1,077 meters, it is the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden coaster in the Benelux countries. A single ride lasts about two minutes and 15 seconds, with G-forces up to 2.4. The coaster was built by Great Coasters International.
A Legacy of Charitable Challenges
The Troy Coaster Challenge has a storied history. In 2010, nine of thirteen participants completed 353 laps, raising 5,645 euros for “Stichting Doe een Wens.” In 2016, ten of thirteen participants rode 325 laps, collecting 11,035 euros for “Stichting Heppie.” In 2022, eleven of twelve participants completed 358 laps, raising 32,658 euros for “Stichting Durf Te Vragen.” This year’s challenge, with 71,896 euros, surpassed all previous records.
