Parkinson’s UK trustee from Tadley breaks three-legged Guinness World Records

What do you call two men travelling on three legs? World record holders! A Tadley man has beaten two world records for the longest distance travelled on three legs, writes Fiona Paus.

Chair of the board of trustees at Parkinson’s UK, Gary Shaughnessy, and his friend Andy Tucker, spent 24 hours tied at the leg to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

During that time the dynamic duo completed nearly 300 loops of the circuit at Silchester Playing Fields, over 117 km, outrunning the previous record of 116.4km. They also beat the furthest distance covered in 12 hours by 2km.

Mr Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015, said: “I feel really delighted about the experience, we’ve had support throughout, such as the friends who ran with us for two thirds of the way and our families have been superb. We’ve also raised awareness for Parkinson's; it’s been tough but brilliant.”

The event was one of a series of challenges taken on by Mr Shaughnessy to raise money and awareness of the disease.

So far, he has received donations of more than £10,000 and looks to continue his venture next month at the San Sebastian marathon.

According to Mr Shaughnessy, the donations will finance research into Parkinson’s, and the challenges themselves help him manage the condition.

“Exercise is one thing that can slow down the progression of Parkinson's, so it’s been really helpful for me mentally and physically,” he added.

During last year's lockdown, Mr Tucker and Mr Shaughnessy first attempted the three-legged race, but due to social distancing regulations had a mannequin tied between them. This meant they could not officially beat the Guinness World Record, leaving them determined this time around.

“It felt unfinished after last year so it’s brilliant in many ways to have completed it now, although it’s been a great experience we don’t plan on doing it again, 24 hours is a long time!” Mr Shaughnessy said.

To donate to Mr Shaughnessy’s fundraising, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Garyschallenges