New Zealand is setting a record - 24 hours to get it over the line

New Zealand will be the home of a new world record at Midday, Wednesday 22 April, 2009.

Supporting the Problem Gambling Foundation, Alastair Galpin has been suspended 18 metres above the ground living in a cage for the last 20 days, busily conducting radio interviews with stations in New Zealand and around the globe and counting down to 100 - 100 Radio Interviews Suspended in a Cage, a new Record Holders' Republic title.

At 85 interviews, and with just on 24 hours to go, the pressure is on to reach 100 by Midday, Wednesday, 22 April 2009.

A lover of adventure, Alastair discovered in 2004 that setting world records can be a smart way to help worthwhile charities drive awareness of the services they offer the public.

"We set the target at 100 to secure a title that can stand up to global competition and because this is a message that has enormously wide importance," said Alastair.

"This cubicle has become my new home: two toilets and a computer desk. I am filthy but this will make a difference."

"I've been here all the time, but I feel like I have travelled all over the globe talking to people from Belize to the Outer Hebrides, Tenerife to the Falklands - all from my laptop straddling the porcelain public toilet bowel," he said.

Since his airborne confinement on 1 April, Alastair has spoken to many New Zealand stations as well as radio hosts in Belgium, Britain, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Belize, plus the Falkland Islands and Guam. The list goes on.

"At the same time, New Zealand is the place where a new record is being set AND the support offered by the Problem Gambling Foundation is being heard," he said.

"Gambling need not become your problem: there is help and it's free and confidential. They are simple messages and ones that we hope this new world record will help reach those in need," he said.

Click on the link to see the caged man: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIYZPp6J7M

The Challenge:
Confinement start date: Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Release date: Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Where: Rainbow's End, Manukau, Auckland
Target: 100 radio interviews while suspended in a cage
Current tally: 85 interviews
Time to go: 24 hours