A DURHAM fundraiser is confident that a new World Record was set at Newcastle Racecourse over the weekend, when 64 two person pantomime animals raced half a furlong along the Gosforth Park track during the Great North Gallop.
Paul Donaghy and an additional 127 participants aged between seven and 77, making up 64 animals, were involved in the bid to break the Guinness World Record for the most two person pantomime animal costumes to run 100m at a racecourse, designed to raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice.
An array of pantomime horses, cows, reindeer, camels and other four-legged animals were involved in the Great North Gallop which took place at the Vertem Blaydon Races Family Fun Day at the racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday.
Guinness World Records are assessing evidence and are still to verify the new World Record, however with a team of adjudicators from Newcastle Racecourse and St Oswald’s involved on the day, Mr Donaghy and all of those involved are confident that they have broken the former World Record which stood at 53 animals and 106 participants.
Mr Donaghy commented: “We are awaiting official notification from Guinness that we have set a new World Record, but I’m confident that the race was completed without breaching any of the rules. I’m really proud of everyone who took part and am overwhelmed by all of the support we’ve had from the general public as well as from Newcastle Racecourse and St Oswald’s.”
Mr Donaghy, who has been a supporter of St Oswald’s Hospice for the past 25 years, chose to set the challenge to as his latest bid to raise funds for the North East charity which provides specialist hospice care to young people and children with life-limiting conditions. So far the Great North Gallop has raised over £4,000 for the charity.
He commented: “St Oswald’s Hospice is an important local charity and my family since my mum was helped by them before she sadly passed away, so I have raised money for them in a variety of ways over the years. I’m delighted we’ve been able to raise such a significant amount through the Great North Gallop and would like to thank everyone for their kind donations.”
The Great North Gallop topped off an afternoon of racing and family entertainment at the Blaydon Races Family Fun Day at Newcastle Racecourse. David Williamson, executive director at the Gosforth Park track, said: “We were delighted to support Paul and all of the participants in their World Record attempt and fundraising bid for St Oswald’s. The race was certainly different from what we usually see at the track and was a great, fun way to bring to a close another fantastic Blaydon Races Family Fun Day.”
To donate to the Great North Gallop please visit www.justgiving.com/The-Great-North-Gallop