Ex paratrooper, 61, claims another world record

Paddy Doyle was presented a certificate by Mayor of Coleshill Ian Tomkinson

A man has completed his 1,000th fitness challenge and claimed a world record, by carrying two 40lb (18kg) weights over a 30ft (nine metre) distance as many times as possible in 20 minutes.

Paddy Doyle, 61, from Coleshill, is a former member of the Parachute Regiment, and his challenges and records span 13 different sporting categories.

With carrying the weights, Mr Doyle smashed the previous record of 60, and completed 92 lengths of the Royal British Legion Club in Solihull on Saturday.

"I've always been involved with sport, endurance challenges, and I want to focus my energy positively as well - and raise money for armed forces charities," he said.

Mr Doyle said the challenge was "very tough... very hard."

"Every record challenge I've done covering the 13 sporting disciplines has been difficult," he added.

"[The challenge] was more nerve-wracking, I wanted to make sure I did it successfully - the crowd was amazing."

He carried two weighted bags for 20 minutes

He said he was surrounded by about 100 spectators, made up of friends, family, and supporters.

The Mayor of Coleshill, councillor Ian Tomkinson, was also in attendance, commenting that he "smashed it".

Mr Doyle said he hoped he had raised "hundreds of pounds" for Support Our Paras, which had a special place in his heart.

"It means a lot because Support Our Paras, they helped me as well when I needed help, going through some difficult times," he said.

"You've got to give back what's given to you."

The charity exists solely to support the Parachute Regiment and airborne forces, providing support to veterans, serving soldiers and their families.

Mr Doyle says he plans to complete more challenges and break more records

Mr Doyle's other records include:

• Most step ups on a 15ins (38cm) bench, carrying a 100 lb (45kg) backpack in two minutes

• Most squats in 60 seconds carrying 40 lb (18kg) backpack

• Fastest 20 back-of-hands push-ups carrying a 100lb backpack

• Fastest time for the most burpees carrying a 55 lb (25kg) backpack

He reached his 900th challenge and record less than a year ago, on 30 November 2024, when he completed a 12 km (7.4 mile) cross country walk carrying 40 lb (18kg) backpack.

"I think I just focus - I think it's in my DNA, you tend to get into the zone," he said.

Despite the number of records, though, he said: "I'm not very good at blowing my own trumpet... I raise small pockets of money for charity. [But] every penny counts."