A former paratrooper has made a heartfelt fundraising appeal after breaking a world record – and his 1,000th fitness challenge.
Paddy Doyle from Coleshill in Warwickshire completed a staggering 92 lengths of 30 feet while carrying two 40lb weights – in just 20 minutes.
The 61-year-old veteran more than tripled the previous record of 60 lengths.
Around 100 spectators, including friends, family and supporters, watched him carry out the attempt.
Mr Doyle, who served in the Parachute Regiment, has accumulated a slew of records across 13 different sporting categories.
Coleshill Mayor Ian Tomkinson attended the event at the Royal British Legion in Knowle and hailed how Mr Doyle “smashed it”.
And after his record-breaking feat, the ex-para himself said: “I’ve always been involved with sport, endurance challenges, and I want to focus my energy positively as well – and raise money for armed forces charities.”
He described the challenge as “very tough… very hard.”
“Every record challenge I’ve done covering the 13 sporting disciplines has been difficult,” he added.
Around 100 spectators, including friends, family and supporters, watched him succeed in his world record tilt
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The atmosphere made him particularly anxious, as he explained: “[The challenge] was more nerve-wracking, I wanted to make sure I did it successfully – the crowd was amazing.”
Mr Doyle hopes to have raised “hundreds of pounds” for Support Our Paras, a charity with personal significance to him.
His fundraiser has raised over £200 so far – but now, he’s pushing on to £1,000.
“It means a lot because Support Our Paras, they helped me as well when I needed help, going through some difficult times,” he said.
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Mr Doyle’s fundraiser has raised over £200 so far – but now, he’s pushing on to £1,000
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“You’ve got to give back what’s given to you.”
The charity provides support to the Parachute Regiment and airborne forces, and helps veterans, serving soldiers and their families.
Mr Doyle’s extensive world record catalogue includes the most step-ups on a 15-inch bench whilst carrying a 100lb backpack in two minutes, and the most squats in 60 seconds with a 40lb backpack.
He also holds records for the fastest 20 back-of-hands push-ups with a 100lb backpack and the quickest time for burpees whilst carrying a 55lb backpack.
PICTURED: Ex-para Mr Doyle carries out his world-record feat
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He reached his 900th milestone on November 30 last year, completing a 12-kilometre cross-country walk while carrying a 40lb backpack.
“I think I just focus – I think it’s in my DNA, you tend to get into the zone,” he said.
But in the face of his numerous records, the veteran is modest about his achievements.
“I’m not very good at blowing my own trumpet… I raise small pockets of money for charity. [But] every penny counts,” he said.