Strongman Gets to grips with fundraiser

STRONGMAN David Stitt is taking an unusual approach to transport to raise money for local MS charity RAMS. For he's planning to get to grips with a car, an aeroplane and a helicopter and drag them along to raise money for the Derriaghy based group.

David (35) will be pulling a Renault Clio through Lisburn on June 14. With that out of the way he plans to pull a fire engine from Lisburn to Finaghy before taking the ultimate test.

On August 13 he'll be at the airfield in Newtownards where he'll attempt to pull a three-ton private aeroplane and a three-ton helicopter for a mile. This week, David was at Richmond's Coaches where he pulled a coach as part of his training.

David, who has to get a specially designed harness made at the Equestrian Centre for his car and aeroplane, pulls has been raising money for charity since 11.

Among his many fundraising feats have been sponsored walks. He'll be taking part in an 80-mile trek for Cancer Research late this year.

He will also be taking part on July 23 in a fundraising event for the Tsunami Appeal in Newtownards. David was in Dubai at Christmas when the tsunami struck and when he heard of a child who had lost his parents he just wanted to help.

"I don't take part in competitions but I get a buzz out of raising money for different charities," he said.

"I do charity walks but always like to do something different and challenging. "I went to see RAMS in Derriaghy and met a three-year-old girl who was there and who really touched my heart. Despite suffering from such a debilitating condition she did not have a care in the world. Before I agree to do something for charities I like to visit them and I was really glad I did this time."

Much of David's training is building strength on his shoulders and legs and three times a week he goes out 'car-pulling'.

"I have been raising money since I was 11 and while I'm still fit and healthy I will continue to raise money for whoever asks me," he said: David's next feat is a bungee jump from two hot air balloons.