A TEAM of rugby mad medics will aim to break the world record for longest continuous game of beach touch rugby when they take to the sands of Poole tomorrow.
‘The Sandbaggers’ – a team comprised of GPs, anaesthetists and surgeons – are raising money for two Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities in support of their teammate Andrew Vaughton, 44, who was diagnosed with the incurable disease last year.
22 players – six per side plus five substitutes – will begin their epic attempt on the sand at Branksome Dene at 8am on Friday May 20 and hope to still be on their feet playing come 6pm on Saturday.
The current Guinness World Record stands at 33 hours and 33 minutes.
Doctor and father-of-three Andrew, who will be playing in the record attempt, said: “MND turned my whole world - and that of my family - upside down.
“The Sandbaggers gave me a space to feel normal, helped me navigate through some very dark times and finally find my old self again.”
Ahead of the challenge, the team has already raised more than £36,000.
Player Oliver Smith added: “We’ll be playing through the night and when we’re not on the pitch we will grabbing some sleep on the sand.
“We’d love to see as many people as possible down on the beach to give us some support throughout the 34 hours.”
Visit justgiving.com/team/SandbaggersRFC to donate.
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