A university student and his brother-in-law have used superhuman strength and stamina to break a Guinness World Record for the second time.
John Darwen, from UCLan, and his brother-in-law James Baker have officially broken the record for pulling a vehicle the farthest distance in 24 hours after they each hauled 1.5-tonne trucks 32 miles.
The final year BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy student undertook the phenomenal physical feat to raise money for Cancer Research after he was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia as a teenager.
They were joined by fellow UCLan student Daniel Callaghan who was also attempting the record himself in honour of his late sister, who left behind two young daughters when she died of cancer five years ago.
He achieved 14 miles on the day but had to stop after he pulled a ligament in his left ankle.
When they undertook the challenge at Elvington Airport, in York, James was ahead of John for most of the journey.
At mile 30, John’s feet were severely blistered and both his big toenails had been badly bruised, making the final miles much harder.
John said: “James could have kept the lead and claimed the title for himself, but instead he pulled his van alongside me and we went the final two miles together.
“I was ready for giving up at the end of mile 31 but persevered to make it 32.
“James finished ahead of me but put his harness down and walked with me to cross the final lap line together.”
James added: “I could’ve gone ahead and perhaps completed another four to five miles, but if I did would it have been worth it?
“What’s better, to finish first, or to finish with my brother-in-law, my best friend, and hold the record together? I was willing to sacrifice further miles to allow John to share the certificate.”
The 31-year-old and James had previously broken the same record in 2021, when they pulled a 1.5-tonne vehicle 22.1 miles in 24 hours.
The record attempt took place last August but it has taken until now to be officially verified.
The duo plan to continue breaking more records this year with at least three similar records being lined up.
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