Bristol runner attempts to set new world record dressed as unicorn at London Marathon

A 30 year old man from Bristol is attempting to set a new world record dressed as a unicorn to boost funds for children’s hospice at home charity Jessie May.

Andrew Taylor, from Yate, is preparing to take on the London Marathon on April 28th and simultaneously break a Guinness World Record in the marathon’s ‘fastest man as a mythical creature’ category.

Andy, who became a father to twins Evelyn and Jackson in December (2018), has ran 4 marathons previously, including the London Marathon twice. On Sunday (28th April) he will run the London Marathon dressed a unicorn in an attempt to set a new world record and boost funds for Kingswood-based children’s charity Jessie May, whose nurses provide vital respite care and emotional support to families caring for a terminally ill child.

He is now encouraging donations to Jessie May through his fundraising page at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/unicorn.

Andy, who proposed to his now wife Charlotte on the finish line of the London Marathon in 2014, said: “I’ve had a break from running over the last year or so to focus on opening up my own gym in Yate, Blast Fitness, which expanded in March. Training has been a bit sporadic with the twins and the gym expansion over the last few months.

“I always like to do things a little different, so this year decided to attempt to break a Guinness World Record. I will be dressed as a unicorn for the fastest man as a mythical creatures category. To get the record, I'll need to complete in under 4 hours.

“I'm raising funds for Jessie May, who support families who have children with life limiting illnesses. Children who will sadly not live to reach adulthood. Families with a terminally ill child often find juggling round the clock care with everyday tasks an overwhelming struggle. Parents and their children cannot do the things you and I take for granted; things like having a job, going on a family outing, or simply being able to sleep through the night.

“Char and I recently became parents to our gorgeous twins Evelyn and Jackson. During pregnancy, we had a few little scares with Jackson along the way, then at birth baby Evelyn spent her first few days in intensive care. Luckily they are both healthy and well but that isn't the case for everyone. Some people’s worst fears become their reality.

“I’m really looking forward to running on behalf of Jessie May. I wanted to help a charity that does amazing work for children. After announcing that Jessie May is my chosen charity, I have received several messages from families saying how much Jessie May helped them through an awful time. It’s clear to see how many local lives have been touched by the amazing staff at Jessie May.”

Andy hopes to reach his fundraising target of £1,000 through the London Marathon. If you would like to sponsor his fundraising efforts, you can do so online at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/unicorn.

Helen Mackie, Senior Community Events Fundraiser at Jessie May, said: “Andy’s fundraising for us through the London Marathon is as magical as the creature he’ll be dressed as! We are so touched he has chosen to support Jessie May through the marathon and wish him the best of luck on the day. Fingers crossed he sets a new World Record too!

“Runners like Andy are integral to our charity. Without support from the community we wouldn’t be able to continue to support local families. Huge thanks to Andrew and all our amazing London Marathon runners. You’re all legends to us!”