Thame Guinness Squash record is in the book!

IT’S OFFICIAL! The Guinness Book of Records, 24 Hour Squash record, smashed by two veteran players from Thame, in 2012, is actually in the latest book – on page 250!

Guy Fotherby and Darren Withey played 475 games of competitive Squash in 31 hrs 19 mins and 4 secs, at Racquets Fitness Centre, in Thame, beating the then verified standing record of 29 hrs and 55mins. 

To celebrate the official publication of the event, Racquets Fitness Centre is offering a free week’s full gold membership to anyone who purchases the Guinness Book of Records from The Book House in Thame. 

Hundreds of people followed the event on twitter. Professional Squash coach, Darren, who is 47 years-old, has coached and played for Racquets Fitness Centre. 52 year-old Guy is Director of Marketing & Development for Meritus Hotels & Resorts, who are one of the main sponsors of the club’s first team, and pledged £100 for every hour of the World Record attempt.

So far, the two record-breakers have raised almost £9,000 through sponsorship for their two charities, Cancer Research and the Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children, both of which are close to the hearts of both players. Their target is £10,000 and more donations and pledges are still coming in. 

Simon Martin from Racquets Fitness Centre, who helped organise and oversee the event, said: “They both were stiff the next day but as they had excellent training advice, have stretched and loosened muscles affected through massage and stretching and working in the gym.” A sweepstake was held at the beginning of the challenge for the best guess at the total number of games played. It was won Personal trainer, Nick Wynd’s mum, (he was substituted by Darren after damaging his wrist during training for the event) who guessed 433. Jenny Wynd generously put the £120 cash prize in the chiltern centre charity box.