A band of strongmen and women will aim to push themselves to the limit as part of a world record breaking bid at the weekend (July 30/31).

Ryan Myers, an osteopath at the Performance Clinic at Sunderland University, will be among the 12-strong team seeking to set a new sled-pushing world record.

The mammoth effort, dubbed the ‘Sled of Pain’, comes three years after members of the team set a new world record for deadlifting non-stop for 24 hours.

Comprised of a mixture of ex-Royal Marines, former police officers and fitness fans, they will split into three teams of four, each pushing an 80kg sled for two hours at a time, over the course of the 24-hour challenge.

Mr Myers, 38, from Sunderland, said: “The training has been intense.

“We’ve been locking ourselves in rooms and just sled-pushing over and over again.

“It takes its toll on your hands and constantly driving into your feet can be difficult, but we’re getting there.”

An 18-year marine veteran, eight in regular service and ten in the reserves, Mr Myers also runs the 5th Element Sports Injury Clinic in Durham.

The back-breaking test of strength and endurance has been inspired by a desire to help former and current armed forces personnel with money raised going to the Royal Marines’ Charity, as well as other good causes, the Breathwork Connection and Woodland Warrior.

Read more: Bishop Auckland man part of Atlantic Ocean rowing record bid

All three charities were selected because of the unique mental health support they offer to service personnel.

The team will be setting a precedent with the attempt by trying to push 800,000 kilos over the 24 hours.

Fellow team member Colin Kelly, from Seaham, County Durham, said: “Since the team’s inception, back in 2016, we have accomplished some crazy feats of physical endurance.

“We’ve put ourselves through suffering so that those with mental health issues may find some solace in the financial aid we are able to provide to the charities that support them.

“This time, on our fourth world record attempt, it’s going to be the most demanding yet and although we are all very excited, we are in no doubt about the pain it is going to cause.

“It is within this pain we find our purpose as a team, and we honestly believe that together we can lift the stress for mental health.”

The record-breaking effort takes place at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, in Exmouth, Devon, on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31.

Record attempts are nothing new to the team which, in 2017, set another world best, for deadlifting over 12 hours.

The remaining team members are Ben and Helen Barnett, from Worcester, Kayle Isaacs, Sam Logan, Andrew Mackay, all from the Wirral, Jim Galvin, from East Grinstead, Dave Coleman, from Tunbridge Wells, Jody Poulter from Kingston-upon-Thames, and Lou Dutch and Jemma Harding , from Poole, in Dorset.

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