Coronation Street’s Charlie Condou in world record breaking day for the RNIB
Today UK book readers, and a famous resident of Weatherfield, proudly smashed the Guinness World Records title for the world’s longest reading relay, organised by sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People – the RNIB.
Today UK book readers proudly smashed the Guinness World Records title for the world’s longest reading relay, organised by sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People – the RNIB.
Gaz Deaves, Guinness World Records, said: “What’s wonderful about this record is the way it has unified people in reading. I was very impressed with how people used giant print and braille as well as standard print. It was a fantastic achievement, well done RNIB and Waterstone’s.”
The unexpected star of the day was Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent, when he popped in to Waterstone’s to purchase a book, and walked out a Guinness World Records champion.
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, said: “This is a fantastic result, and not only is RNIB now Guinness World Records holder, it has been great to hold an event open to everyone of all levels of sight and reading abilities. But we shouldn’t forget that just 7 per cent of all books are available in fully accessible formats, so I urge everyone to get involved with Read for RNIB Day, and help us provide more reading solutions for blind and partially sighted people”
A total of 317 people took part in the event shattering the previous Guinness World Record, held by Austria for 290 people in a reading relay. Each person read aloud, one sentence at a time, from an exclusive story by Anthony Horowitz, the ‘Double Eagle Has Landed’ that has never been published in the UK. Many blind and partially sighted people took part reading braille and giant print, making this a truly accessible record attempt. This record attempt marked the launch of Read for RNIB Day, raising awareness of reading services for blind and partially sighted people.
James Daunt, Managing Director, Waterstone’s said: “I am delighted that RNIB have smashed the Guinness World Record, and very pleased Waterstone’s was able to host their magnificent effort.”
For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk/readforrnibday