A STRONGMAN has gone above and beyond to raise money for charity after walking five kilometres distance with a washing machine on his back.
Evesham resident, Mark Bond, carried the kitchen appliance on his back to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
After completing the challenge, he admitted that pulling an articulated lorry and trailer last year was far easier than walking with a washing.
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"It went really well, but I must admit it was hard work at the last three-quarter mile due to the machine pulling on the shoulder straps, even though I had a lot of padding on the straps - it still cut in," Mr Bond said.
He said that despite the pain, he felt really good and happy that he had completed the challenge for the charity.
"When we took the machine off - my back - wow, what a relief.
"I did wonder where my legs had gone, they were jellyfied."
Mr Bond has had his own scares with cancer and has several friends and family members who have battled the disease.
On the day, he had people cheering him on to keep going, which he said helped give him more momentum.
For the last three quarters, when things started to become challenging for Mr Bond, his trainer Ben Goss, walked beside him to offer encouragement.
He was also joined by a young girl called Olivia Brush, who had heard about the fundraiser and wanted to join him.
"May I say a big thank you because, without these people, this event wouldn't have been possible.
"For everybody who turned up on the day and everybody who has donated - thank you all," Mr Bond said.
Much work was needed to make the washing machine easier to carry.
SteelDragonForge had made the framework and reinforced the back of the machine to make it fit onto Mr Bond's back, and Timpsons had managed to sow and fix the webbing frame to the steel frame.
The process of making the unique piece of equipment took around four months.
To find out more or donate, visit his Just Giving page here.
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