01/06/2012

Wheelbarrow Walkers' Bid For World Record

Two fitness-mad men from Northern Ireland hope to set the first world record for a two-person wheelbarrow push.

They are warming up to push each other the length and breadth of Northern Ireland in a bid to raise £50,000 for a charity close to their hearts.

Glenn Wilkinson (41) from Belfast and Scott McGarry (21) from Cullybackey want to raise £50,000 for a Ballymena charity which offers support programmes to young women suffering from self harm, eating disorders, depression and abuse.

But a sponsored silence wasn't enough for this two.

To get to their target for Freedom House, they have set themselves a six day endurance test to push each other in a trusty wheel barrow through all six counties in Northern Ireland.

Their challenge starts on June 25 and the men - who are both fitness instructors so should be better placed for this than most - will push each other 300km.

That's 50km each in every NI country.

If the men complete the challenge this will be the first Guinness World Record for a two man wheel barrow push.

Mr Wilkinson said: "The Big Push for Freedom will be the most challenging thing we have ever done both physically and mentally."

Pamela McGlade from Freedom House said: "Within Northern Ireland it has been well documented that eating disorders, depression and suicide rates are all on the increase. We work with young women throughout the country to provide support in tackling and dealing with their problems and equip them with the right skills to enjoy life. We hope everyone joins us in supporting Glenn and Scott and cheering them on as they pass through our local towns and villages."

To sponsor the wheelbarrow walkers visit www.justgiving.com/the-bigpush or text PUSH55 £amount to 70070.

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