RECOD BREAKER: Jamie Stephenson takes the praise from CentreStage founder Fiona McKenzie OBE (Image: CentreStage Communities)
CentreStage Communities has praised an Ayrshire fundraiser after he achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop Elvis Presley singing marathon.
Jamie Stephenson completed the challenge at their café and bar between 14 and 16 October, singing numerous hits from the King of Rock n’ Roll for 43 hours, 34 minutes and 57 seconds.
The previous record for this category was achieved back in June 2004 by Thomas Gäthje in Heide, Germany, which stood at 43 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds.
The chosen charities that are set to benefit from the fundraiser, alongside CentreStage, include Ayrshire Deaf Club, Beautiful Inside and Out and Ayrshire Baby Loss Support.
An exhausted and proud Stephenson spoke of his pride in completing the challenge to raise vital funds.
Speaking to CentreStage following his achievement, he said: “I’m done. It was great fun, except when it wasn’t; it was tough.
“I know that I have some great friends who helped me through this. It was fabulous, and it was a great way to help out some charities, which was the most important thing.”
Adding their praise, a spokesperson from CentreStage believes this latest development can go a long way for so many.
They said: “A huge congratulations to Jamie. We’re incredibly honoured to be one of four charities benefiting from this amazing achievement alongside Ayrshire Deaf Club, Beautiful Inside and Out, and Ayrshire Baby Loss Support.
“At CentreStage, we believe in the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together. We thank Jamie for turning his passion into something that will positively impact so many lives.”
Centrestage Communities in Kilmarnock works to make the arts accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds and help create opportunities through creativity and community.
Ayrshire Deaf Club SCIO helps to provide a place for connection, understanding and support within the Deaf community.
Beautiful Inside And Out offers support to those who have lost loved ones to suicide, providing a source of help in navigating the devastating impact of bereavement.
Ayrshire Baby Loss Support supports families and offers an important source of understanding and compassion through an incredibly difficult time.
You can continue to donate to Stephenson’s fundraiser, which has reached over £2600, via their GoFundMe page here.
