James and Brett Meyers' Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.com

A-Z Challenge: For Michael Clarke & the Child Cancer Foundation

James and Brett Meyer's Guinness World Record attempt in the Howick and Pakuranga Times newspaper via ZaagiTravel.comAs I write this I am sitting in the Howick Squash Club.

It is 6:45 in the morning on Saturday, April 11.

We are less than 2 hours into James’ 36-hour-long squash marathon.

He is playing with his dad Brett in hopes of setting a new Guinness World Record!

The first five minutes of James and Brett Meyer's Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.com

In 2008 the athletic Meyer men set the same record, playing 25 hours and 55 minutes.

However, the record has been broken numerous times since… and it currently sits at 33 hours. So they’ve set out to smash it again!

Today, like 7 years ago, their grueling challenge is in the name of raising funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

James prepping for the beginning of the 36-hour-long squash world record marathon at the Howick Squash Club in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Tessa, James’ sister, pointed out to me that the squash record-breaking community is supportive of each other.

“The vision from the beginning has been to do this for a good cause and every successive record breaker has also raised money for their chosen charity. The greater effect of the challenge transcends their singular effort”, she explained as we sat courtside Saturday morning.

James and Brett Meyer wearing their Child Cancer Foundation T-Shirts as they gear up for the Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.comThe Meyer family gearing up for the Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.com

The goal James and Brett have set is $36,000. As of right now, they have reached $16,602.

Like last time, they are pushing their bodies and spirits to the limit, in honor of their very dear friend Michael Clarke.

Three days before the 2008 record, 13-year-old Michael passed away after a 16-month-long battle with bone and then ultimately lung cancer.

His bravery, courage and strength was and is immensely inspirational.

His memory motivates James and Brett today as they fight for children that show such brilliant strength as they fight cancer.

The Meyer family gearing up for the Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.comMaterials ready for the Meyers' Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.com

You can donate to the Meyers’ world record at their official Everyday Hero account HERE. 

 

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Hour three – We’re one hour away from the guys’ first break. They earn 5 minutes of break time for every hour they play. They’ve elected to play their first four hours without a break. For their first break they will only take 5 minutes, saving the other 15 minutes for later on when they really need it.

Hour five – TV ONE NZ came to interview the guys. They were able to answer some questions during their short five-minute break, while also scarfing down pikelets with jam and banana loaf.

James and Brett Meyer being interviewed by TV ONE NZ during first break of their Guinness World Record attempt via ZaagiTravel.com

Hour six – Some blisters and back pain but overall their energy and spirits are high. Your support is crucial so come on down to the Howick Squash Club and get loud for these amazing athletes!

 

MEDIA

TVNZ OneNews: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/father-and-son-attempt-world-record-squash-marathon-6279808

Howick & Pakuranga Times: http://www.times.co.nz/sports-news/smashing-rubber-to-regain-record.html

4 thoughts on “A-Z Challenge: For Michael Clarke & the Child Cancer Foundation”

  1. I love the dedication, and how players who gun for the record support each other so. I wish I could contribute money now – but I will offer my best wishes and admiration for what this all stands for. Well done.

    Glad I found you through the A to Z Challenge.

    – Eli @ Coach Daddy (#1192)
    Eli@coachdaddy recently posted…A to Z Challenge: K is for KindnessMy Profile

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