Underdog Guinness Record Attempt

NOT PMCF DONATION PAGE Hi there—my name is Matthew, and I’m driving solo in a charity event on Jan 22nd, 2018 to raise money for cancer through a Guinness World Record for 24hr Endurance. I need your help to get there! Life has been a journey, to say the least. After walking the path with and eventually losing Mum five years ago to lung cancer, the grieving took some time to set in. Last February, I went on an extended leave of absence before being totally consumed by my depression. It has been a long and difficult road back to the light—but I do see it at the end of this very long Tunnel. My light is a Guinness World Record!!! Not easy to attain. I will be breaking the record for: Greatest Distance In 24hrs For Indoor Gokarting. Here’s my coach’s official release: http://www.shaundejager.com/guinness-world-record-for-indoor-gokarting/ We are making this a GTA event: we’re attaining corporate sponsors, a Guinness Officiant, media outlets, and so on. I will be riding for a cancer charity, to be officially on-board shortly. I started karting only about three months ago, but it relit a passion that was dormant for a long time. I'm putting that passion to use to show that no matter what happens, no matter how small you feel, no matter how great the odds, everyone can attain amazing feats when the mind is set strong. 2.5 months in and we’re going for it. This record is not for me. It's for those who have forgotten they can, the lost and downtrodden folks who are looking for hope. I want to show the "little guy" that the odds don't matter. I am nowhere near a professional; I have worked customer service all my professional career. That said, I have a knack for karting. These are my coach's words from a Facebook post directly summarizing one of my personally-paid practices: "Matthew is a machine! Sunday night he did 250 laps and didn't break a sweat! Over 1.5hrs of driving...he stopped once for 135sec (hey...when ya gotta go...ya gotta go!). He was rocking it (quite literally with his headphones on) and he mostly focused on his 'mental groove' and setting consistent lap times. Hell...at times he was driving the track with his eyes closed! Seriously! I saw him do it! Next Mon is a really big day for him. It will be a 4hr session (to do some experimenting) and at least one media outlet will be coming out to meet him as he prepares for the big day. We will keep you posted!" Quote - Shaun de Jager, Advanced Driving Instructor, Formula Kartways General Manager, My Race Guru My intentions are to use the record to provide community outreach and a message that if you're down and out, you're not finished—you’re lucky. You can rebuild stronger than ever! If you're still breathing it's not over! I'm hoping that by sharing a 30-year journey of trouble to triumph, I might save just one life. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. Having no previous background in endurance, I am training five days a week minimum. This is costing me more than I could have imagined. Not just in track time, travel, etc., but coupled with long-term rebuilding and now this. I'm seeking corporate sponsors to help with event costs: licensing, supplies for volunteers, etc. But I need personal help to see this mission through. With all my time spent on preparing, I am unable to earn an income at the moment. I'm in jeopardy of paying for this with my livelihood and stability. I want to make sure my roof stays overhead, my belly stays full, I have proper safety equipment, and I don't have to miss a second of possible track time due to finances. Anything helps! I am backed by Formula Kartways in Brampton, ON, Canada. They are already coming to the table with over 20 hours of reserved track time, a race suit, and kart upgrades to see me through (seat comfort, vehicle telemetry, etc.) But being a complete amateur, I need every lap, every second I can get! Please help me to realize a childhood dream, drive for Mum, and give back to the hospital that gives so much. Help me remind those that are lost to turn around. Life is waiting for you and excited to see you again! Thank you for taking to time to read this, and for your consideration. If you only share my story and inspire someone, for me that is more than enough!