Businessman Nick Holland will attempt a Guinness World Record at this year’s TCS London Marathon – tackling the course dressed as a mobile phone in aid of Caudwell Children.
Nick, who is managing director of telecommunications firm Complete Communications, hopes to raise £2,500 for the charity which supports disabled and neurodivergent children across the UK.
He said: “Every year our family gets the Guinness World Records book. One night, I was reading it with my children and saw someone had run the Berlin Marathon wearing a mobile phone costume and thought, that aligns with the work I do and decided to give it a go.”
Keele-based Caudwell Children provides practical and emotional support for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people, and their families. Their services include autism assessments, specialist equipment and funding, family support sessions, and occupational therapy.
To beat the world record next weekend, Nick will have to complete the 26.2-mile course in under three hours, 41 minutes and nine seconds.
He says he has been inspired by his wife Tracey, who owns Martec Training, which specialises in programmes for people with special educational needs and disabilities, and who took on the marathon for the same cause last year.
But Caudwell Children’s founder, entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist John Caudwell has also motivated him.
Nick added: “I’ve a lot of admiration for John Caudwell and all he’s achieved.
“Considering what he used to do with Phones4U, I thought running the marathon in a mobile costume aligned really nicely.
“Like John’s philanthropy, I wanted to give back by running for the charity. I’m in a fortunate situation to be able to go out and help in this way, while raising funds to help disabled and neurodivergent children get the support they need locally, and across the UK.”
Kathryn Turner-Morgan, Challenges Manager at Caudwell Children, said: “By taking on the world-famous London Marathon, Nick is not only pushing himself to the limit; he’s also helping disabled and neurodivergent children reach their potential and thrive.
“We’re all the more impressed by his Guinness World Record attempt, and the unique costume will only serve to get people talking about Caudwell Children and help to raise awareness of our vital cause. We wish him the very best of luck!”
Nick’s sponsorship page can be found here.
