19/01/12…World record squash players tell ‘how it was’

FIVE days after they smashed the Guinness World Record for a competitive squash marathon, the two men who battled together for over 31 hours, have been talking about the experience.

The two competitors, Squash coach Darren Withey, and Racquets Fitness Centre team player, Guy Fotherby, spoke to ThameNews.Net:

Q What made you take on the challenge in the first
place?
A DARREN: “I was filling in for Nick Wynd who got
injured but was more than willing to help such
worthwhile charities.”

GUY: ” My Mother died of cancer and so did a best
friend I grew up with, my Niece is profoundly
autistic and she uses the Chiltern Centre for
disabled children for respite. It’s a small but
vital charity in great need of assistance and fund
raising.”

Q Can you recall your LOWEST moment of the challenge?

A DARREN “We had just passed the half way stage and
it hit me how far we had come and still how long we
had yet to go before the finish. Mental toughness
was a key element.”

GUY: “No, not really. Not really one just fighting
through the muscle pain during the last four hours!”

Q When would you say was the HIGHEST moment for you?
A DARREN: “I think there were a few high points but
raising so much money and receiving so much support
from everyone including friends, family and Racquets
Fitness Centre. The World Record!!!!”

GUY: “Knowing we were on the way to raising the
funds for the charities.”

Q What is your most vivid memory of the whole 31 hrs?
A DARREN: “I will always remember counting down my
breaks in between games. You just know what they
meant at the time.”

GUY: “The Fantastic support from the crowd on the
balcony!”

Q. What were your feelings on that final count-down
moment when you knew you had broken the record?
A DARREN: “Relief and excitement whilst being proud to
have achieved what we set out to do.”

GUY: “Feeling so grateful to all the people who
helped to make it happen; we could not have done it
without their support.”

Q What was the reaction of your family to your
achievement?
A DARREN: “My wife sally and daughter Emily were
very proud.”

GUY: “Elated!”

Q Would you do it again ????
A DARREN: “Yes Yes Yes! Bring it on!”

GUY: “Yes, we’re looking at a 24 hours racquet ball
next year for the charities, the Chiltern Centre for
disabled Children and one other.”

PHOTO: Courtesy of ThameTV: Darren and Guy embrace after over 31 hrs of squash is finally over!