World record attempt at St Albans school raises more than £5,000

Students tackling a world record have raised more than £5,000 for homeless Filipino children.

Herts Advertiser: Head boy James Bromfield organising. Picture: Michael S Feather Head boy James Bromfield organising. Picture: Michael S Feather (Image: Archant)

Senior pupils at St Columba’s College tried to break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive rugby passes in aid of charity IconHope.

The charity was set up in 2013 after Typhoon Heiyan devastated the island of Cebu, and it educates and rehabilitates homeless and orphaned children.

Funds will help give IconHope a permanent home and improve the facilities available.

To beat the record, the boys had to successfully pass a full size rugby ball 279 times at least five meters backwards, and hopes were high with so many pupils involved who had all practiced in games lessons.

Herts Advertiser: Head boy James Bromfield organising. Picture: Michael S Feather Head boy James Bromfield organising. Picture: Michael S Feather (Image: Archant)

Even though the lower school did not take part in the actual record attempt, they took part in a warm-up passing to friends.

Unfortunately, despite a helping hand from Saracens and England professional Billy Vunipola, the students only managed 156 throws.

Head boy James Bromfield, who organised the event with deputy head boys Oliver Nicholson and Nic Buxton, said the outcome was influenced by a combination of factors: “The weather wasn’t great, it was a bit of a wet ball. But we got everyone involved so we aren’t too bothered about that and I think there was an amazing atmosphere around.”

Student sponsorships are still being collected so the fundraising total could reach the college’s target of £10,000.

Herts Advertiser: Back Row: Michael Keohane, James Messling, Oliver Nicholson, Joseph Price, Daniel Carter, Nicolas Buxton, Hayden Wheeler. Front Row: James Bromfield, Tom Lewis, Padhraic Naughton, Ted Baxter, Joseph Tweedie. Picture: Michael S Feather Back Row: Michael Keohane, James Messling, Oliver Nicholson, Joseph Price, Daniel Carter, Nicolas Buxton, Hayden Wheeler. Front Row: James Bromfield, Tom Lewis, Padhraic Naughton, Ted Baxter, Joseph Tweedie. Picture: Michael S Feather (Image: Archant)

James said celebrity Billy made the day especially unique: “He was really kind and patient, he was talkative and supportive of the whole thing.

“Obviously it was a world record for a reason, we thought we would have a chance but at the end of the day we were trying to raise money for IconHope and everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves so that’s the important thing.”

St Albans deputy mayor Jamie Day and former mayor Annie Brewster attended the event.

Billy took questions from St Columba’s students after the attempt was over.