Local man to tackle car pull for tsunami relief

A local man is taking on the unenviable task of pulling a Renault Clio car through the streets of Newtownards in July, to raise funds for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal.

David Stitt, from Newtownards, who works for ReadyMix Concrete, is intending to pull the car, on July 23 along Frances Street and High Street. David will have one lane on both streets cordoned off for the charity attempt, allowing him to pull the car the approximate one-mile distance.

For health and safety reasons. David will be fully harnessed with an extended rope leading from the front of the car, enabling the driver to keep a safe distance.

David is very passionate about fundraising and has done several events in the past, including a back and body wax and sponsored cycles.

He says his main motivation for the pull is to: "Raise as much money as possible for the cause", and that the end achievement will motivate him through hours of intense training over the next three months.

Europe's Strongest Man, Glen Ross, and local contender for Europe's Strongest woman, Janet Ogle, are helping in David's training, which includes body-building sessions combined with weekly bus and car pulls to build up the necessary muscles.

The training will help David perfect the techniques, which according to seasoned car puller Janet, are vital for him to achieve the car pull safely and successfully. The death toll in the tsunami disaster has now reached 111,171 people, while more than 80,000 remain homeless.

David is raising funds specifically for Sri Lanka, one of the worst hit areas by the disaster, and will be giving money raised directly to the Habitat store in Belfast who are coordinating relief work.

He hopes for as much local support as possible and will greatly appreciate any donations.