World-record hope for bungee-accident survivor
A man, who survived a bungee-jumping accident, is hoping to break the world record for pulling a van.
Mike Land, from Swindon, is aiming to pull a 1.5 tonne van as far as he can over flat ground in 24 hours, for which the world record is currently 32 miles (51.5km).
He started the attempt Down Ampney airfield at 12:00 BST on 4 October and is aiming to raise £12,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
"If anyone wants to cheer me on that would be great,” he told BBC Wiltshire before setting off.
Doctors feared Mr Land would never make a full recovery when he fractured his pelvis after his bungee jump rope snapped in 1993.
Mr Land has completed numerous physical challenges since his near-death experience and now works as a fitness instructor and designer.
He has been training for the world record for months and had hoped to tackle it sooner, but found it difficult to locate a suitable venue.
For the attempt to qualify, the location of the challenge must be level with a 1:1 gradient and have some degree of public access.
Down Ampney airfield is a former RAF airbase and meets the criteria set by Guinness World Records.
"I can’t wait to get going, but at least the delay has meant I’ve been able to continue my fundraising.
"I would have preferred a bit of sun, but I think the cooler weather might suit me, as I do get a bit warm pulling the van," he said.
He hopes to raise £12,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance with his efforts - equivalent to the daily cost it takes to run the service.
According to Guinness World Records, the record for pulling a vehicle in 24 hours, is equally held by two British brothers-in-law, James Baker and John Darwen, who pulled a van for 32 miles in 2022.
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