World record bid by Crawley man who flipped (From The Argus)

World record bid by Crawley man who flipped

9:00am Saturday 18th July 2009 in

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One man’s flipping obsession has gone to such an extreme that he has taken his hunt for a world record global.

Jim Haysom from Maidenbower, Crawley, is looking for sponsors as he attempts to break the record for flipping beer mats blindfolded.

But, to encourage some friendly competition, he is auctioning off more than 6,000 coasters to fellow flippers around the world.

The 32-year-old hopes his efforts will inspire a global video competition, as well as raising funds for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

Mr Haysom pledged to raise money for the UK's leading parenting charity as part of his New Year’s resolution.

He said: “I was due to run this year's London Marathon but had to pull out due to injury.

“I had raised £400 but wanted to find a fun and unique way to reach or exceed my target of £1,000.

“Beer flipping is definitely one of those things.

“I’m asking everyone to upload their record breaking attempt on YouTube so we can all have a laugh.”

There are currently four records available for the pub pastime: flipping a single stack, one-handed blindfold flipping, speed flipping and the two-handed simultaneous flip.

In 2008 Mr Haysom broke the record for flipping a single stack blindfolded by catching 45 mats.

But earlier this Dean Gould, from Suffolk, managed to snatch the record when he flipped 71 mats in one go.

The Sussex-based flipper currently has his sights on the new record for a two-handed blindfolded flip.

Mr Haysom said: “Beer mat flipping is a talent I’ve been blessed with from an early age.

“I’ve been taking my preparation very seriously.

“Practice makes perfect so I’ve been sure to have regular sessions, with the help of a few beers, in the pub.

“The 6,000 beer mats have been left over from my previous business venture.

“Rather than throw them away I thought that people could buy them on eBay.

“While a little bit of my heart went away with the company I’m determined not to let the beer mats go the same way.”

Kate McTigue, of NCT, said: “Jim has done brilliantly – he’s provided us with flipping fantastic support.

“He is testament to how much fun you can have when you really go to town with interesting and new fundraising ideas.”

The eBay auctions will consist of 63 lots of 100 beer mats.

Bidding will end tomorrow at 12pm.

The record breaking beer mat flipping competition will take place on YouTube and will finish on August 8.

For more details visit www.jimhaysom.com or www.beermatflipping.com.