Stockport Metro swimmers took part in a unique relay at Stockport’s Life Leisure Grand Central Swimming Pool and broke the Guinness Book of World Records in the 100 x 50m relay.
100 swimmers from Stockport Metro – past and present – took to the blocks to swim 50m each to attempt to beat the Guinness World Record, previously standing at 46 minutes and 38 seconds.
The determined Stockport Metro swimmers crushed that with their final mark of 43 minutes and 32 seconds.
The event was organised by 27 years old Harry Needs to raise money for ‘The Mind Charity’, which helps support people suffering from mental health, raising awareness and understanding of issues related to mental health.’ Harry, the former husband of Olympic medal winning Rebecca Adlington who remains a firm friend and was on hand to help at the event, describes himself as a “minority southerner living in big old Manchester.”
Harry said:
I live here with my daughter Summer, whom I love dearly despite her northern twang and best efforts to continually ask me for chocolate. I’m a super proud dad and all round I’m pretty positive guy, devoted to my friends and love for the health and fitness industry. Though it may not sound it when written down on piece of paper, I’m also a long-term sufferer of Mental Health. Yep that’s me, the mentalist….
In 2016 and 2017, I went from some very tough hardship in my life which undoubtedly lead to that path, to which I am grateful to return from. On reflection, swimming over the many years of life has been the best outlet I could have ever wished for, I can still to this day hear my mums voice in my head after a bad day, saying ‘take it out on the water’. I know too many people in my life who agonise and writhe over troubles related to mental health, and I’m not ok with it.
With your help, I plan to awaken the force against the taboo of mental health in sport by raising a ton load of money for The Mind Charity who do so much work in supporting people (and known acquaintances) suffering from mental health and continues to raise awareness and understanding of issues related to mental health.
Harry was one of Stockport Metro’s swimmers and is now part of the coaching team. He runs Stockport Metro’s performance gym for the elite athletes and manages their Masters Programme.
The team included junior (14 yrs) to masters swimmers and coaches! Plus local club swimmers and athletes/friends of Harry from across the country. Oldest swimmer age 55 approx.
An amazing afternoon in aid of the MIND Charity.
Harry said …”I plan to awaken the force against the taboo of mental health in sport by raising a ton load of money for The Mind Charity who do so much work in supporting people (and known acquaintances) suffering from mental health and continues to raise awareness and understanding of issues related to mental health”
Said Needs of his desire to spread awareness through action,
“I plan to awaken the force against the taboo of mental health in sport by raising a ton load of money for The Mind Charity.’ As of publishing, the relay endeavor raised 156% of its original monetary target, bringing in an estimated equivalent of $4,000 USD.
The time to beat was 46:38 and the 100 swimmers of Stockport crushed that with their final mark of 43:32.
As of 6th May, Harry’s mission had raised over £3,200 for The Mind Charity, smashing his target of £2,000.