Darwen firefighter taking on deadlift world record challenge

Glen Bailey, 42, started strongman training more than 15 years ago and is now ready to tackle the world record attempt of lifting 600,000kg in the allotted time.

The dad of three, who is an on-call firefighter at Darwen fire station, has been training twice a day, including for two hours on Christmas day, to prepare.

Glen has been training twice a day to prepare for this challenge (Image: Glen Bailey)

Glen, who has been with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for two years and worked as an industrial firefighter since 2019, is raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity as well as his friend and former colleague Clint Grieves.

Clint was left paralysed in 2020 after falling down a set of stairs, so Glen is raising money for his rehabilitation.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Glen said: “I’m a little bit nervous but I’ve prepared well and I’ve got a plan. If it all goes to plan I could break the record and I think I will break the record.

“I’m lifting 100kg on the board, five reps every minute. That works out as 3,000kg per hour. Every hour I’ll be taking a five minute break for some food and a little drink, then I’ll be off again.

Glen has been an on-call firefighter at Darwen fire station for two years (Image: Glen Bailey)

“I’ve been training for four months, every day. I’ve just been deadlifting, I’ve converted my house into a gym basically and I trained two hours on Christmas day. I’ve realised how close the challenge is and I’ve pushed myself.”

The current world record stands at 580,220kg lifted within 24 hours, and Glen will be looking to break the 600,000kg barrier – equating to around 12,000 reps in total.

The challenge will be taking place at SAS Gym in Leyland, which will be open to the public to come and watch the feat of endurance.

To donate to Glen’s fundraiser, visit the Just Giving website and search for Glen Bailey.