Martin’s space-hopping challenge
16/10/2015
BINDT member Martin Mienczakowski, Research Associate in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of Composites at the University of Bristol, is planning an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance travelled on a space hopper in 24 hours, to raise awareness and vital funds for the Stroke Association.Martin was just 25 years old when he was suddenly taken ill with a severe headache and nausea on Christmas Day, 2009. Within a few hours his condition had deteriorated so much that his parents insisted he visit hospital, where he was diagnosed as having had a stroke.
Initially, Martin was advised by doctors to take six months off work to recuperate but he returned to full-time work within one month. “During my recovery I was confronted with a number of things that people said I wouldn’t or shouldn’t be able to do again, like going back to work full-time, for example. In overcoming these hurdles I have developed a philosophy of working out how I can do things rather than dwelling on why I can’t do them,” Martin explained. This can-do attitude has led Martin to engage in various new experiences such as travelling through Australia for six weeks on his own, representing England in a new sport, writing a book and a creating a blog about his recovery.
Amy Spencer, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s roughly one every three and a half minutes – it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for those affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Martin for taking on this challenge; the money will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”
Martin’s space-hopping challenge will take place at the Kip Keino Stadium, Bristol, on 31 October 2015. The current Guinness World Record stands at eight kilometres (five miles) travelled on a space hopper within 24 hours and Martin has already completed more than ten kilometres, so is confident he can set a new record. Martin also requires a group of independent volunteers, as per official Guinness World Record rules, to observe the attempt on the day. “Breaking a world record is the ultimate challenge for me. I am currently training as you would for a ten kilometre run and doing lots of space-hopping too! I’m hoping to get support from local residents on the day to help me conquer this challenge in aid of the Stroke Association,” added Martin.
Martin has been employed within the NDT sector for ten years since gaining his PhD at Nottingham University. He is currently a Research Associate at University of Bristol, where his research interests include the inspection of composite components and full matrix capture (FMC). Within BINDT, Martin is a Co-opted Member of the NDT Technical Committee, Chair of the FMC Users Group, Vice Chair of the Aerospace Group and a Member of the Composites Group.
If you are interested in officiating, contact Martin at www.didiever.co.uk or to sponsor Martin visit http://www.justgiving.com/martin-mienczakowski1
