A Northern Ireland man will attempt to break a Guinness World Record this summer - inspired by his young daughter.
Jason Gillard, who is the proud father to four girls, has his sights set on setting a new record for the biggest ever outdoor circuit class and all proceeds will go to Mencap.
The charity has helped Jason's daughter Aria, who has Down's Syndrome, with all aspects of her life both developmentally and emotionally.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, he said: "The challenge is to break the Guinness World Record for the largest circuit class in the world.
"The current record is 2,061 people so our aim is to smash that. This has all been inspired by my daughter Aria because I was her to be in a culture where everyone can exercise no matter what.
"Aria goes to Mencap and what they have done for her has been amazing. We have seen such an improvement in her since she started there.
"She is the most amazing child, she's the life and soul of anywhere she goes and we are so proud of her."
The Guinness World Record attempt will take place at Stormont Pavilion on Sunday, August 21, 2022.
Anyone is welcome to take part and Jason says no fitness ability is needed - just come along and have fun.
"We want everyone and anyone to show up on the day and help us get this record," Jason continued.
"By doing this, we want to put Belfast and Northern Ireland on the map in terms of world records. We are aiming for children ages 10 and upwards to take part. Obviously, we will make room for Aria.
"I can't put into words what Mencap has done for our family, and for Aria. They have helped her communication and development. Having a child with Down's Syndrome can be very worrying, and having their help has allowed us to stay positive and hopeful.
"In terms of fitness, it is a huge part of my life obviously with my business but it has personally helped because I am active and it shows Aria that you can be active too."
Sean Conlon, community product lead at Mencap, met with Jason and Aria at Stormont on Friday, to suss out the area where the challenge will take place.
“We are delighted that Jason has chosen to raise vital funds for Mencap in Northern Ireland in his record-breaking attempt," Sean said.
"Aria is just one of the many children, young people and adults with a learning disability that Mencap support all across Northern Ireland. The money raised from Jason’s event will help us continue towards our goal of making Northern Ireland the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives."
Jason owns Mercury Fitness NI, an award-winning fitness business, and through connections he has, another local business has come on board to help them.
Ryan O'Reilly owns Network Fit, which helps people locate gym classes and groups easily.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Ryan said it was a "no brainer" for their team when approached by Jason to take part.
"I have known Jason through the fitness industry," he added.
"We are delighted to come on board with this. When he mentioned those words 'World Record attempt' I automatically got excited.
"It is great to take part in this, especially for Northern Ireland. It has never been done before and is for such a brilliant cause.
"When all of these things come together, it is a no brainer. We are a local start-up here, founded in Northern Ireland and we want to make an impact for Mencap, for a World Record and for the industry as a whole."
To take part in the Guinness World Record attempt, get in touch with the team through this link.
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