A FORMER soldier has missed out on setting a new world record – but has still raised more than £3,000 to help the fight against heart disease.

Northallerton born-and-bred Phill Wright had hoped to set a new record for the longest distance covered on an indoor rowing machine in 24 hours.

However he fell short of the existing record of 314,348 metres, set by South African Ryan Palmer in 2012, and finally covered a distance of 213,202 metres.

“I realised a few hours into the challenge that the pace required to break the record was too fast for me to sustain,” said the 36-year-old, who runs a gym in Leeds.

“I was sick a couple of times, couldn’t keep any food down and developed really bad stomach cramps – so I had to slow it down a bit. From then on it just became a battle of getting to the end of it.”

He added: “I’m overwhelmed by the level of support I’ve had. I was never on my own – there were always at least two people there with me.

“The constant encouragement from people in the gym and comments received online were what kept me going through during the darkest hours of the night.”

However Phill still smashed his fundraising target of £2,500 – raising more more than £3,250 for Heart Research UK.

The charity’s corporate development lead, Jodie Thomson, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Phill decided to take on this challenge in memory of the people he’s lost to heart conditions and for those who are currently suffering.

“Heart disease is still the UK’s biggest killer and Phill knows first-hand the effects it can have on you.

“The money raised will be spent on research, community grants and really trying to help people live healthier and happier lives, so we’re incredibly grateful for Phill’s support.”