Entertainment Swindon

Back for a second go!… Bungee-Jump survivor vows to beat the odds and crack Guinness World.

Remember Mike Land, who beat the odds to survive a bungee-jump fall and who pledged to break the Guinness World Record for van pulling?

He was beaten last year – but next month, he’s back for another go!

On November 4th at midday, Mike – a branding expert from Swindon – will begin his 24-hour attempt to pull a 1.5tonne van as far as possible in 24 hours and beat the current record of 32miles (51.5km).

Last year, he was thwarted by the chosen venue, as the ground proved to bumpy for the van pull.

This time – thanks to the generous team at Indurent, one of the UK’s leading developers, owners and operators of industrial and logistics space – Mike is taking his challenge indoors.

He will be pulling the van inside Indurent’s giant, 343,754 sq ft industrial unit near Chippenham, by M4 junction 17.

“I am hugely grateful to Indurent for allowing me to use their venue for the van pull,” said Mike. “Being indoors on a flat surface will make all the difference, and this time I am confident that – pardon the pun – I can pull it off!”

Mike, who runs Nickel Design, is taking on the challenge to raise funds for Wiltshire + Bath Air Ambulance. He hopes to bring in at least £15,000.

A prolific fundraiser, Mike has raised thousands of pounds for good causes over the years, inspired by a near-death-experience, when his rope snapped during a bungee jump.

Though doctors feared Mike would never fully recover, his incredible resilience proved them wrong. For the past 30years since his accident, he has pushed his limits with extreme feats, including abseiling down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and running marathons dressed as Captain America.

Carys Allen, Development Director at Indurent, commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to support Mike’s incredible world record attempt by opening the doors to one of our largest buildings. We’re used to providing businesses with spaces for success but it’s not every day you get to host a challenge this unique. We’re rooting for Mike to smash the record and raise ‘shed’ loads of money for Wiltshire + Bath Air Ambulance!”

Mike added: “I am so grateful to the support I have had from everyone, including the many local businesses who have sponsored me. The support has been fabulous, with so many in my networking circle liking and sharing my social media, handing out my leaflets and allowing me to share my story and challenge.”

The van has been generously loaned by Scarrotts Van & Minibus Centre, in Royal Wootton Bassett, with branded signage added by Aura Signs. Mike is still looking for donations, so to sponsor him visit https://www.givengain.com/ap/mike-land-raising-funds-for-wiltshire-air-ambulance.