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Activist aims to break Guinness World Record

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Arsenal Whittaker at his World Record attempt
Arsenal Whittaker at his World Record attempt in Poole Dolphin Centre. Taken by Zara Elliott

Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre saw an attempted World Record break by an Autism Activist

Arsenal Whittick aimed to break the World Record for most hugs in a minute, a record currently held by TV Personality Sam Thompson.

He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 49 and has overcome many challenges. Saying that this World Record attempt was six years in the making. Saying “I’m really happy, hope it raises awareness of autism and gives people hope that, given us time, that we can do anything”.

More than a hundred people showed up to the shopping centre to support Arsenal in breaking the record.

Speaking to BUzz News, he said “It was my Christmas Day, I got up having my breakfast and I was so excited.

Arsenal would have to have one hug every 0.4 seconds in order to get to 89 hugs and beat Sam’s World Record.

Although the record has not been confirmed, Darren is setting his sights on his next challenge. “I want to do a TED talk, so it’s the next goal,” he said.

The Dolphin Shopping Centre commented, saying “We were happy to hold it in the Dolphin. When he said ‘I want to do that’, we said we’ll help you do that. It was a no-brainer

“We’re just super grateful to everybody that hung around today. As in, they did the first attempt, we didn’t manage it. Second, third was going to be the last one, but everybody just rallied round and stayed for the fourth one which was amazing. Nobody really wanted to leave, I don’t think, so they’ve done it, which is fantastic for us and for Arsenal”.