Superheroes raise hundreds for charity in world record attempt in Portsmouth

The superhero record attempt at the Guildhall in Portsmouth

Picture: Allan Hutchings (160382-022) — The superhero record attempt at the Guildhall in Portsmouth Picture: Allan Hutchings (160382-022)

Despite around 200 Lycra-clad, mask-wearing, cape-flying fundraisers packing into Portsmouth Guildhall, the bid fell short by about 1,300 people.

Superman and Wonder Woman costumes were heavily represented as students from University of Portsmouth sports teams and youngsters rallied to raise cash for Make a Wish Foundation.

Organiser Symmi Rolt, 21, said hundreds of pounds had been raised on the night as each person paid at least £1 to take part.

From left, Gareth Turner, Matthew Sherington, Simon Masters, Becki Hillier and Rachel James Picture: Allan Hutchings (160382-035)

The current record is 1,580.

‘We were going up against Paramount Studios in America, I didn’t think we’d do as many,’ Symmi, who was dressed as Wonder Woman, said.

‘But it’s raised quite a lot for Make a Wish.

‘They all look great, everyone’s made such an effort, I think it looks fantastic.

‘All the kids seemed to have enjoyed themselves.’

Among the crowd was Luke Bugg, 33, with his sister Rachel Grech, 37, and her daughter Lily, five, who was dressed as Super Girl.

She had been picked up by Luke and Rachel, of Drayton, from Court Lane Infant School and taken to the record bid as a surprise.

Lily said: ‘It’s really, really good. I like seeing all the costumes.’

Luke, who has more than 4,000 followers on his Geek of Steel Facebook page, is a Superman super-fan.

He said: ‘A few people tagged me on Facebook and said “you’ve got to go down” so I rose to the occasion.

‘It’s a bit of fun, it’s a charity that I support anyway. It’s been a passion all my life.’

Students Mark Tallon, 24, Jack Wright, 22, and Taylor Ferrznolo, 22, were dressed as Flash, Superman and Green Lantern.

The trio, who study games technology together at university, decided to take part in the bid as they had the costumes from a trip to Comic Con.

‘It’s for a really good cause, Make a Wish Foundation is a really good organisation,’ Mark said.

The final fundraising total is due to be calculated today.

The event was organised as part of an annual fundraising competition between sports teams at the city’s unversity.