Ed Wood set to break Guinness world record at Rochdale Football Club

Ed Wood, is set to break his Guinness World Record at Rochdale Football Club this Saturday

Football fan, Ed Wood, is set to break his Guinness World Record at Rochdale Football Club this Saturday.

In August 2016, the 50-year-old from Otley, West Yorkshire, committed to visiting all 93 grounds in the country (92 plus Berwick Rangers) in the shortest amount of time whilst also raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.

This Saturday he is set to break that record with the Crown Oil Arena hosting his final game.

The current record stands at 237 days, but with Saturday’s match set to be 189 days since Ed kicked off his challenge, it will take some beating to complete it any faster.

A Guinness World Records representative will be on hand to officially award Ed with his world record title before kick-off at Rochdale’s League One fixture versus Charlton Athletic.

Rochdale Football Club has invited Ed to the game as guest of honour. He will walk out on to the pitch with the match ball and present it to the referee before kick-off, and will be presented with a Dale shirt, with his name and number printed on the back.

Throughout his challenge Ed has met people who have been affected by prostate cancer. He was shocked at some of the statistics and that it’s the most common cancer in men.

He said: “Ignoring prostate cancer won’t beat it, so I joined the fight to try and make a small difference to a big issue. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men but we don’t talk about it enough.

"I hope my world record attempt has captured the imagination of football fans across the country and although it’s coming to an end my involvement with charity won’t.

“Along the way I had the pleasure to meet some inspirational people, including men who’ve been affected by this awful disease. At Leyton Orient I was introduced to Errol McKellar, a survivor of prostate cancer, and an incredible guy who has done a lot for the charity. Meeting people like Errol bring the cause to the heart of this challenge and made all my late night drives and barmy challenges worth it.

“Prostate Cancer UK is a brilliant charity and I’m looking forward to doing more. I’ve already signed up for their Football to Amsterdam bike ride – cycling 145 miles over two days with 500 football fans and legends of the game, so from one challenge to the next, I’m not stopping yet.”

James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted that Ed has used his Guinness World Record attempt to raise vital funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Many of the football clubs and supporters have already been incredibly supportive of Ed and his challenge which is a brilliant demonstration of Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition – prostate cancer.”

Many people are unaware that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It’s a huge issue that cannot be ignored. In 2017 one man an hour will die from prostate cancer in the UK. That’s 10,900 men this year. Based on current trends, if we ignore prostate cancer and do nothing, this number will rise to over 14,500 men a year by 2026.

To sponsor Ed, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/edwood93challenge