Shadbolt Set To Smash Records

Just when you thought Tim Shadbolt had broken every barrier (and many a rule) his sights are set on world domination, but all for a good cause.

On Saturday 28 April, Tim will take part in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Television Interview. The mark to beat is 12 hours and 30 seconds set by Pedro Ruiz in Madrid in 2009 but that won’t satisfy one of New Zealand’s most recognisable celebrities.

“We want to surpass the longest one-on-one interview record on any medium of 24 hours and the longest single event television broadcast in New Zealand, so we’re going for 26 hours” says Mr Shadbolt.

The event will be broadcast live throughout by CUE Television with experienced interviewer Tom Conroy hosting for the entire duration. CUE is available throughout the country on satellite Freeview 23, SKY Digital Channel 110 and on the Telstraclear network in Wellington and Christchurch. The interview will also be streamed live on the internet with much anticipated interest from overseas.

The event will be a national fundraiser for St John, who was delighted to be invited to take part in something sure to attract a lot of attention.

Viewers will be able to donate via text, phone pledges, bank donations or online.  Details on how contributions can be made will follow shortly.

Profits from T-shirt sales and bar and door takings will go directly into the fund. The filming will take place in front of a live audience in the SIT Centrestage Theatre Invercargill with gold coin entry.

St John Customers and Services Director Gerry Fitzgerald said this was a wonderful chance to be involved in such a high profile event with the prospect of raising much needed funds. “The organisation faces a significant and growing demand for services and such a contribution would help ease the burden. It’s also a terrific chance to get our message across to a mass audience and we’re very grateful for that too”.

The organisers at CUE Television, wanted to select a charity that touched as many New Zealanders as possible and was largely self-funded. “Everyone at some stage comes in contact with the ambulance service and this is a chance to show our collective gratitude” said Mr Conroy.

An official Guinness World Records adjudicator will be on site to verify the record when complete with Tim and Tom hoping to set the new mark of 26 hours at 2pm Sunday afternoon.

“In Tim Shadbolt we have the consummate orator who has a lifetime of diverse experiences to call upon, told in his inimitable, entertaining style that will keep us all engaged and awake from start to finish” says Mr Conroy.

“Having such a high profile guest with a genuine chance to smash the records ahead of us, has already attracted an enthusiastic band of sponsors getting in behind the event to ensure St John get every cent raised”.

For more information:   www.smashingrecords.co.nz

Facebook link for still photos: http://mail.google.com/a/smashingrecords.co.nz