Flipping eck! Crawley man's unusual world record attempt

A "FLIPPING mad" record breaker is hoping to make his son proud - and help raise funds for charity.

Jim Haysom, of Maidenbower, is having a crack at an unusual world record, by trying to set a new landmark for beer mat flipping while blindfolded.

FLIPPING FANTASTIC: Jim Haysom hopes to break the world record for flipping beer mats at speed blindfolded
photo by David Berman

The Crawley dad was due to run the London Marathon for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), but had to pull out through injury.

Undeterred, the fundraiser is now using a popular pub pursuit as his inspiration for charity.

Mr Haysom, father of Oliver, aged nine months, has been flipping beer mats for 15 years.

He joked: "My wife thinks I'm flipping mad but she's very supportive. I think the more people flipping, the better.

"I think every dad would want to say to their son that they have a world record for beer mat flipping."

Mr Haysom, who works as an advertising sales manager, added: "I was due to run the London Marathon but had to pull out. I had raised £400 for the NCT but wanted to find a fun and unique way to raise further funds to reach or exceed my target of £1,000.

"The NCT's support has been invaluable to me and my wife as we entered into parenthood for the first time."

Mr Haysom has a collection of around 6,300 beer mats, which he will be auctioning on eBay to raise cash for the NCT.

He will film his attempt to break the record on You Tube, but is also encouraging other people to try their luck and film their own record attempts.

The beer mat competition is open to all for votes and participation and the competition closes on Saturday August 8.

The eBay auctions close on Sunday at 12pm.

Click here for more details on the record attempt and how you can take part.

CURRENT RECORDS

MR HAYSOM and others taking part can attempt one of four flipping great world records:

1. Largest single stack of beer mats flipped

Current record: 112

Record holder: Mat Hand, Nottingham, May 2001

2. Largest single stack of beer mats flipped whilst blindfolded