A Royal Marine from Cornwall who smashed a world record for running a half marathon with a 26kg fridge on his back is attempting his next challenge - the London Marathon.
As previously reported in the Packet in February, Corporal Sam Hammond, 30 is no stranger to running around the country with white goods strapped to his back to raise money for the armed forces charity SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Family Association)
READ MORE: Sam Hammond, RNAS Culdrose to run Brighton Half marathon with fridge
He took on the Brighton Half in February where he smashed a world record for running with his fridge (which has been named ‘Fidget Jones’) strapped to his back.
He will now compete for the record title at the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23.
The Royal Marine based at RNAS Culdrose, Helston said he is both ‘excited’ and 'nervous’ for the marathon but feels capable of being the current world record holder, Richard Gray.
Richard ran the London Marathon in April 2018 with a tumble dryer on his back. His record time was five hours and 49 minutes, with Sam hopeful he will be able to beat that time.
He told the Packet: “I believe I am capable of a time under five hours and 30 minutes.
“I just hope I haven’t underestimated it and my training programme was correct and nothing silly goes wrong like a broken strap.”
As well as Sam competing in this week’s marathon, his partner Samantha will also be taking part in where she will run to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. However, Sam and Samantha will not be starting the marathon at the same time, as she will set off an hour before.
The pair travelled to London on Friday and have received plenty of good wishes from friends, family, and followers on social media.
“A lot of my followers on Instagram have assured me they will be there to watch and cheer me on,” said Sam.
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Sam has so far raised £2,940 for SSAFA, a charity which is close to his heart. He said: “When you regularly must go away for long stretches, several months at a time, it really affects the family that is left behind.
“I have seen that SSAFA is there to help your family, in an emergency, when you aren’t able to, and I think this work is so important and I want to help.
“SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way, they need us.”
To donate to Sam's fundraising page, visit: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/man-vs-fridge
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