An Auckland Bungy lover will attempt to set a new world record for the most Bungy jumps in 24 hours while raising money for the Mental Health Foundation.
Mr Heard has previously set two Guinness World Records for Bungy jumping from the same location – the first in August 2008 when he jumped 103 times in 24 hours and then again in March 2014 when he jumped 80 times in just 60 minutes.
His 24-hour record was later beaten and is currently held by Colin Phillips, who jumped 151 times in 24 hours in Dubai on March 21, 2014. Mr Heard hopes to “absolutely smash” the record this time around, after changes to the required length of rope means he will no longer have to be dunked in the Auckland Harbour.
“This time around I’m aiming to get past 200 jumps – and if my 60-minute record is anything to go by (80 jumps in 60 minutes), I know this is possible.
“For me, Bungy is about doing something I enjoy, doing something that has the ability to push me outside of my comfort zone and doing something that keeps me focused, footloose and fancy free. The Mental Health Foundation seems a good fit – and I’m really excited that I get to raise money for such a worthy organisation while doing something I absolutely love.”
The Harbour Bridge Bungy site will operate its usual business hours and jump times during the day. Jumpers will have an opportunity to join Mr Heard for a tandem Bungy or a Guinness experience with money going towards the fundraising total.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand Managing Director Henry van Asch says Mr Heard has been part of the Bungy whanau in Auckland since he made his first jump in 2006 – and came straight back up for another – and two more – on the same day.
“Since then, Mike – or Hedgie as we all call him – has been one of our most fervent enthusiasts, taking on numerous personal challenges and jumping like he was born to Bungy.”
To support Mike Heard’s fundraising project, please go to mentalhealth.org.nz/bungy