Scotland’s #1 Record Breaker to help Markham Stouffville Hospital Set Guinness Golf World Records
Markham, ON – March 27th 2006: Scotland’s top World Record Breaker has announced plans to participate in Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Guinness World Record Golf Day on July 3rd.
Paul Coffey, who was responsible for establishing all the World Record categories being attempted at Angus Glen Golf Club this summer, is credited as the guy who started Guinness’ Golf World Records program in 2003. Looking for ways to raise money for a local children’s hospice, Coffey came up with the idea of setting a world record for the most walking players to complete a medal round in 24 hours. This record of 491 was set in 2003 and still stands today, despite numerous efforts made to beat around the world. To top it all, Coffey helped raise £50,000 for charity.
“We’re thrilled to bits Paul has agreed to come and help us smash these records in Markham,” says Bryan Dearsley of The Event Ambassadors, the group responsible for organizing the event. “His expertise, experience and enthusiasm are going to help make this a day that will put Markham on the map internationally!”
As a result of that first “daft idea” (his own words), Coffey now acts as a consultant to groups attempting world records. So far, his team has helped set nine records in sports such as golf, athletics and rugby. His specialty is mass participation world records, the most recent being the spectacular “Largest Human National Flag” at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, on Feb 5th 2006, when a total of 13,254 people held cards aloft to create a huge Saltire flag.
“We’re talking to a large stadium in Toronto to try to beat this record,” adds Dearsley. “Paul’s going to play a huge role in that event, too!”
Coffey is also organizing a children’s games world record day in Glasgow, and after helping with events in Canada he’s off to attempt a new record for the fastest surface circumnavigation of the globe by scheduled transport (his goal: less than 40 days).
“I hope as many people as can carry a golf club will come and join us to help this worthwhile cause in Markham in July,” says Coffey. “Oh yeah, and to set some more world records!”
Guinness World Largest Flag Record video 
