Tesco staff in Dundee have begun their attempt to bounce into the record books and raise money for Diabetes UK.
Eight colleagues from Tesco’s learning and development team in the city’s customer service centre on Baird Avenue will bounce in relay for 48 hours.
They will attempt to smash the record for continuous bouncing, which stands at just over 37 hours.
So far the team has raised more than £1,000, and hope that total reaches £2,000 by the end of the bouncy bonanza.
Kevin Kelly, who is the event organiser and will be taking part as one of the ‘bouncers’, admits a mixed reaction when he has told people what he planned to take on.
He said: “I’m not really sure how we came up with it. Diabetes UK is our charity of the year, and when we put our heads together we came up with the Big Bounce.
“Family and friends have thought we were just doing it to be big kids and wanted to spend the weekend on a bouncy castle. None of us are athletes so we knew this would be a big challenge.”
Kevin admitted that he is nervous for the full weekend of bouncing that he has ahead, but the colleagues are fully committed to the cause.
He said: “I think for everyone a little bit of trepidation has set in. I won’t lie, I found it difficult to sleep last night, because when I actually thought about it I realised how big a task we actually have ahead of us.
“If world records were easy then everyone would have one. But I can guarantee that we will give 100%.”
Diabetes UK has also backed the team’s fundraising drive and thanked them for their contribution.
Jane-Claire Judson, national director for Diabetes Scotland, said: “The Big Bounce is a fun and exciting fundraiser and we’re delighted the team at the customer service centre in Dundee are so enthusiastic about our national charity partnership with Tesco.
“We are really grateful for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The money they raise will help us support some of the millions of people in the UK with diabetes.
“We wish them the best of luck.”
If you wish to sponsor the Big Bounce, visit www.justgiving.com/Learning-Development-Team or text WRLD48 and your donation to 70070.