Its Official. Leicestershire is part of the Netball 'World Guinness Record' attempt!

Congratulations to Lydia Redman, who has been entered into the Guinness world book for the most individual netball goals scored in one hour! The event took place on October 23^rd 2017 at The Kibworth School (outside courts).

Val Kindred, County Netball Development Officer at Loughborough University, is proud and honoured to be part of her achievement and commented,

"I was asked if I would go along to be a witness and asked to be a goal score counter. Anyone who knows me, will know that my counting skills are not the best as I would get distracted in wanting to encourage Lydia on. I declined that job and instead turn my full attention into the support and encouragement Lydia needed!"

Lydia had plenty of support from her family including her father, mother, brother and friends who were at the forefront of feeding her the ball, her PE Teacher (Natalie Stanton who recorded the goals), Form Teacher (Katie Rees – another witness) along with her head Teacher (Emma Merry – supporter).

It was a very sunny day meaning Lydia needed to ensure that the sun did not stop her flow or concentration. The family did an excellent job in keeping the balls supplied in a fantastic rhythm, helping form all the concentration Lydia needed to achieve.

Val asked why was it so important for Lydia to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) in which Lydia replied:

"I attempted the challenge, because I previously did a sponsored 'shoot a-thon' trying to score as many goals in an hour and scored 564, raising £230 for Cancer researchAfter this event my P.E. teacher Mrs Stanton looked up the Guinness world record, and then we thought we should do it officially and attempt to set a world record!

Since the summer I practiced for roughly half an hour most days for about 2 months. When I had finished my challenge, knowing I had beaten the record, I was ecstatic yet overwhelmed, because I had been planning and practicing for so long, and I had finally done it! I want to show my appreciation to all people around me who have helped and supported me throughout my journey."

So the drum roll moment which Lydia set as a world record is… 756 GOALS in an hour. No one has done this before, the target and criteria were set by GWR at 250 goals within the timeframe.

Many congratulations on behalf of Leicestershire and the netball family… Well Done Lydia! Many people in the nearby future are going to try and beat Lydia's record, but no one can take away that she is the first person to hold the Guinness world record for 'The most netball goals scored in one hour - as individual'. What a fantastic achievement.

Source: (Val. Kindred, 2018)