Following his impressive efforts last October, Mr Aslam has received confirmation he has made it into the Guinness World Records for completing a virtual marathon event around Blackburn.

Raja joins a group of 37,966 participants who ran the event in their own villages, towns and cities as part of the 24-hour challenge organised by the London Marathon. Raja, a teaching assistant in the Primary Phase, raised an incredible £6,305 for the Penny Appeal by completing the 26.2 miles in his home town.

He said: “I was amazed to receive recognition from Guinness World Records and feel really proud to be part of a huge group of people who have made 2020 a year to remember for all the right reasons! It was the toughest thing I have ever done but I know the donations from my family and friends, along with the amazing support from the QEGS community, have made a huge difference to lives of people in Africa. I want to say thank you to every single person who has sent me a message, donated and congratulated me on the marathon.”

The record Raja is part of is ‘Most Users to Run a Remote Marathon in 24 hours’ on the 4th October 2020 and will feature in this year’s annual publication.