A BALLOCH fitness fanatic is aiming to become a world record holder this weekend - and he hopes his own superhuman efforts might inspire others to push themselves to the limit too.

Twenty-three-year-old Joe McCready will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the most pull-ups in 24 hours, beating a target of 7,600 which was achieved by American John Orth in 2016.

After building a gym in his back garden in Balloch during lockdown to train for the event, Joe has been preparing relentlessly to make his own piece of history.

His day-long endeavour, at The Journey in Helensburgh this Saturday, November 28, will also raise funds for the Jean’s Bothy mental health hub in the town, with more than £850 having been donated so far.

Joe said: “I’ve wanted to do it for a long time and now is the time for me to have a go at it.

With lockdown and everything else over the whole of this year, it’s just been so strange and made me think about trying to help as many people as I can by doing what I do best.

“I wanted a challenge. I need something that’s going to push me.

“Since I left the Royal Marines it was a case of wanting that buzz back of pushing myself because normal life doesn’t really give you that same sense of buzz.

“This is that limit I want to push myself to. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to claim a little bit of self-gratitude as well.”

Confident in his chances of success, he said his ultimate mission is to encourage others to overcome their mental and physical barriers.

He said: “Challenges that people perceive to be impossible are where I thrive. I like being able to prove that people can do these kinds of things and if that motivates other people to do what they want to do then that’s great.

“Any time I’ve done one of these challenges there have always been people who’ve been motivated from it and realised that they can do stuff.”

Joe’s challenge will start at 4pm on Saturday. Search for ‘The Journey Fitness’ on Facebook for more, or visit gofundme.com/f/24h-pull-up-world-record to donate.