The stage is set for an extraordinary world record attempt by Swindon local Mike Land, who will be pulling a 1.5-tonne van as far as he can in 24 hours.
Aiming to break the current record of 32 miles (51.5km), Mike’s ambitious feat will take place at Down Ampney airfield, starting at midday on Friday, 4th October, and finishing the following day.
Mike, a branding expert who runs Nickel Design, has undertaken this challenge with one clear goal in mind – to raise £12,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. This amount is the daily cost needed to keep the lifesaving service operational, and Mike is determined to help reach that target.
The inspiration behind Mike’s fundraising efforts stems from a near-death experience when his bungee jump rope snapped, leaving doctors unsure if he’d ever recover fully. Yet, despite the odds, Mike made a remarkable comeback and has since spent the last 30 years testing his limits with daring challenges. Not one to shy away from a thrill, Mike has previously abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in support of other causes.
Mike has been training for months, and while the event was originally planned earlier in the year, finding a suitable location proved challenging. The former RAF base at Down Ampney, located between Cricklade and Fairford, finally provided the perfect spot, meeting the strict guidelines set by Guinness World Records.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mike said, “I’ve been planning this for a long time and can’t wait to get going. The delay has allowed me to keep raising funds, which has been fantastic. I’m grateful for everyone’s support so far, and if anyone wants to come along and cheer me on, whether during the day or into the night, it would mean a lot to me.”
With the target in sight, Mike has already raised over £10,000 but is hoping for a final push to hit his £12,000 goal. For those wishing to support this cause, sponsorships can be made via his fundraising page.
The Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides an essential service for the region, and Mike’s effort will go a long way in helping to ensure they continue to save lives. So, if you’re free on 4th October, why not head to Down Ampney airfield to cheer on this local hero? Every bit of encouragement will help as Mike embarks on this gruelling 24-hour challenge.
