CROWDS of people descended on Belfast’s Stormont estate yesterday in a novel bid to walk their way – on bare feet – into the record books.
While no confirmation was provided regarding the exact numbers involved, organisers are “hopeful” that they have achieved an unsurpassed accomplishment.
The current world record was set by 2,500 people in India two years ago, who walked a kilometre in their bare soles.
The Belfast attempt, over the same distance, must now be officially verified by officials from the Guinness Book of Records, with notification expected within the next fortnight.
The charity event was organised to raise awareness of the millions of people across the world who are too poor to own any footwear and so are regularly exposed to injury and soil- transmitted diseases.
Despite the April showers and unsettled conditions, a large number of people – including many children – took off their shoes and made the short trek up Prince of Wales Avenue in the direction of Parliament Buildings.
John Kee, director of Summer Madness and who led the attempt, paid tribute to those who travelled from across the Province and beyond to take part in the innovative bid.
“We are delighted with the turnout and would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated,” he said.
“We had a wide range of people who took time out of their Easter holidays to help us, with walkers young and old, locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the fun. People from as far away as Canada even joined the attempt and many families made it a fun day out.”
Mr Kee said the record attempt must meet certain criteria in order to be deemed valid.
“We had to adhere to very stringent guidelines and are currently compiling all our video, photographic and written evidence to send to the Guinness Book of Records for verification,” he said.
While the event was light-hearted in nature, Mr Kee stressed the serious message behind the initiative.
He said: “We hope this attempt will help raise awareness of the difficulties faced by millions of people across the globe who go barefoot every day in all weathers and conditions and the devastating effects that something we all take for granted can have on others.
“For example in Ethiopia, around one million people are suffering from a debilitating and disfiguring disease, podoconiosis, caused by walking in volcanic soil, and in some developing nations children are often not allowed to attend school without footwear, limiting their opportunity for education.”
Recognisable faces among the walkers taking part included Church of Ireland Bishop Harold Miller and local model Jenny Curran.
Expressing his gratitude to all who completed the required distance, Mr Kee added: “Northern Ireland has once again shown its big heart and hopefully we can showcase Northern Ireland as one of the world’s best in championing the needs of others.”
Charities involved in the attempt included Stand By Me, Tearfund, Fields of Life, and the Girls’ Brigade.