A Lancashire pastor has officially etched his name into the record books after achieving a remarkable Guinness World Record while raising awareness for community support in the town.
James Baker, who is from Leyland and now lives in Blackpool, has been confirmed as the new record holder for the greatest distance carrying a loaded shopping trolley in 24 hours (male), covering an astonishing 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) on April 8.
The achievement not only marks a personal milestone but is also notable as a first-of-its-kind category for Guinness World Records, highlighting the unusual and physically demanding nature of the challenge.
Mr Baker undertook the gruelling endurance feat in Blackpool as part of a wider fundraising effort supporting the Blackpool Community Grocery, an initiative aimed at helping families access affordable food while building stronger local connections.
Reacting to the confirmation, he said he was "over the moon" and proud of the collective effort behind the achievement.
He added that the record brings a valuable platform to share the impact of the Community Grocery, both locally and across the country.
"So many people played their part — from preparation and setup through to fundraising, donations and encouragement," he said.
"This is about bringing hope to people and showing what can be achieved together."
James Baker's previous extraordinary feats
The record is the latest in a series of ambitious challenges taken on by the Blackpool pastor.
James is also known for becoming the first person to carry a shopping trolley to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
That challenge saw him complete a demanding 10-hour round trip with 45kg of steel and supplies strapped to his back.
As part of the same broader campaign, he also previously scaled Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) carrying a trolley, underlining both the physical intensity and symbolic nature of his efforts.
Raising awareness beyond Blackpool
While the endurance challenge itself is striking, he said the deeper purpose lies in highlighting the work of the Community Grocery and the difference it makes to people’s lives.
The initiative provides affordable food and support for individuals and families, and James hopes the national attention generated by the world record will help expand its reach.
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"There’s more to come," he suggested, hinting at further media coverage and storytelling around the project.
For now, however, the focus remains on celebrating what has already been achieved.
With 80 kilometres covered in 24 hours while carrying a loaded shopping trolley, the feat stands as both a physical and symbolic journey — one that has now earned global recognition.
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