21 Oct 2022
After hearing London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s need to raise £15 million by 2024 to replace its helicopters, Tom Langdown, father of three, decided to use his own place in the London Marathon to run for the charity – and not conventionally!
“As soon as I heard about the appeal to replace your helicopters I knew I would run for you,” said Tom. “I knew my contribution would be a small one in comparison to the £15 million needed, but I hoped to help spread awareness too.”
As well as running the distance, Tom ran in fancy dress as one of our very own helicopters, determined to add another Guinness World Record to his repertoire.
“My dad built the structure and two of my boys helped pin a red duvet cover in place,” said Tom. “250 safety pins and four hours and 23 minutes later, I am officially the title holder of ‘fastest marathon dressed as a three dimensional aircraft’!”
Tom is already the fastest running tap faucet after he completed the marathon for WaterAid, and the fastest runner in chain mail from running for Mind.
“I always need a goal when I do a marathon and doing one in fancy dress is better than trying to do a personal best!”
The helicopter model was mostly made of mesh, however, the steel rod attached to the rotary blades was substantial, meaning the total weight of the structure was 10kg.
“I did it, and I beat the previously-set time by four minutes, but it was horrendous! The Guinness World Record said the structure needed to cover my knees and shoulders, but that meant my body got warmer and warmer inside the costume, especially when the sun came out!”
Including the distance spent weaving in and out of runners, Tom ran a grand total of 28 miles, and raised nearly £1,000 for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
“You’ve always been a charity that I have spoken highly of. Everyone I mention the charity to can’t believe it’s not funded!
“I’d also like to say thank you to The GoFundMe Team who donated £200 as part of their Gives Back program. GFM said: "We’re grateful for the chance to donate to fundraisers that have touched us".”
We’re incredibly impressed and grateful to Tom and his achievement. If you’d like to complete a challenge for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, there are many opportunities in the future you can look into, or find out how else you can support our Up Against Time appeal.