Wiltshire man completes 24-hour van pulling challenge

A man who pulled a 1.5 tonne van for 24 hours has raised £16,000 for charity.

Mike Land took on the fundraiser on behalf of Wiltshire Bath and Air Ambulance at an industrial unit, near Chippenham – raising enough for four potentially life-saving missions.

He completed 76 laps of the building, covering 30 miles (49 km), just 1.2 miles (2 km) short of the Guinness World Record.

Speaking shortly after completing the challenge on Wednesday, Mr Land said: “It has been a struggle with fuel, water and getting around the laps. But it’s also been amazing with all the support.”

Mr Land started the challenge at midday on Tuesday and continued for 24 hours without any sleep and only small toilet and food breaks.

The unseasonably warm weather took its toll at the 343,754 sq ft (31,935 sq m) industrial unit. The van weighed the equivalent of an Asian elephant.

“It started off fine. But then we realised how warm this lovely big unit gets in the daytime.

“I spent a lot of time topless trying to stay cool and we opened every door and window we could,” Mr Land, 55, said.

He completed the challenge at 12:00 GMT and shared a hug with loved ones after catching his breath.

His partner Sue French said she was “so proud”, adding: “He’s worked so hard at bringing together companies locally to get funding and support.

“The man is constantly out gaining funds for the air ambulance.”

The van challenge was also a Guinness World Record attempt, with Mr Lane falling just 1.2 miles (2km) short of the required amount.

For now, there’s no future attempt on the horizon.

“The thought of me doing this again at 56 scares the hell out of Sue,” Mr Land said.

“I think we’ll probably draw a line under it for now.”

Imogen Linham, corporate fundraiser for the charity, joined volunteers to support Mr Lane during his feat.

She said: “It’s been absolutely epic, we are so proud of Mike. He’s done an absolutely incredible job and it’s amazing to feel part of something so special.

“The money raised goes straight towards the life saving work we do and will equate to four life saving missions, it’s so impactful and important.”