A group of determined Paramedics from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance are about to take on the challenge of a lifetime for a second time, when they re-attempt to break a Guinness World Record!
Back in June, seven of the YAA Paramedics, along with nine more colleagues from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and friends and family, attempted to break the ‘Longest marathon playing five-a-side football record’. However, horrific weather conditions across the three days meant that the attempt had to be abandoned after 30 hours. A plethora of injuries and safety worries due to the volume of rain that fell, left the team unable to complete the attempt to play to 44 hours.Not to be defeated, the team have decided to re-attempt the record, this time opting for an indoor venue and it will take place at Wickersley Sports College in Rotherham. Kick off will be Friday 12th October at 1730hrs and they’re aiming to finish at 1500hrs on Sunday 14th October.
As well as trying to break the record, the Paramedics will be aiming to raise as much money as possible for the Charity they fly with, but are looking to raise £7,200, the cost of a day’s flying.
Pete Vallance, aircrew of the YAA whose idea it was to attempt the record commented “We were absolutely devastated back in May when we had to abandon the first record attempt. The good old British weather let us down spectacularly, non-stop rain from the minute we kicked off made it impossible for us to complete the attempt due to safety reasons and also the number of injuries picked up by the players. However, we are determined to not be defeated and have organized another attempt, but this time indoors!”
Pete continues “Our aim is still the same – to raise as much money as we can for the YAA. The Paramedics taking part have flown with the YAA for many years now. We see day-to-day the impact that the YAA has on the people of Yorkshire and we know how vital the role of the Charity team and the public is in helping to raise the monies needed to keep both of the helicopters in the air.”
Avid BBC Helicopter Heroes fans currently watching the new series on BBC1 will recognise the paramedics participating in the Guinness World Record as: Pete Vallance, Dave Appleby, Matt Syrat and Paul Kilner.
The Paramedics, who are seconded to the YAA from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service will be joined on their record attempt by a number of their colleagues from the ambulance service, friends, family and also some of the teachers from Wickersley Sports College.
Pete adds “There are a lot of rules and requirements we have to fulfill for Guinness World Records to enable us to record and prove our attempt. This is going to prove the most difficult part – playing football is probably going to be the easiest bit. It is going to be a long two days for us and we will need regular food and drink breaks. If any local companies would be willing to donate anything, they would be gratefully received. We are particularly in need of items such as sandwiches and snacks, sports drinks, fruit and probably some coffee and caffeine type drinks too.”
If anyone would like to support the Paramedics efforts through a donation of food or drinks, please contact the team via the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity Office on 01422 237900.
You can also support the Guinness World Attempt team by sponsoring through their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/Fiveasidefootballworldrecordattempt.