Mirus IT vows to give world record attempt another shot

Reseller forced to abandon initial attempt after staff suffered dehydration and broken bones

Mirus IT has vowed to have another crack at breaking the world record for the longest game of five-a-side football after its first effort had to be abandoned.

Two staff broke their toes during the attempt and another two were rushed to hospital with severe dehydration 20 hours into the 72-hour attempt, forcing the match to be abandoned. The firm had hoped to smash the current record of 52 hours.

But the reseller has not been put off and plans to have another go before Christmas in an effort to continue raising money for local charity Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

Mirus IT's managing director Paul Tomlinson said it was not right to carry on in light of the injuries.

"This early on it didn't make sense to continue as the remaining players would not be able to complete the challenge," he said.

The reseller is set to continue its fundraising efforts off the pitch and staff are now in training to cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours in August.

He said regardless of whether or not his firm eventually smashes the five-a-side world record, he is still proud of the company's attempt.

"It's been a great few months of training and a great way to bond with my team of players made up of employees, friends and even customers," he said. "If you're looking for something to bring together a group of people, attempting something like this really does it.

"We'll look to attempt the record again in the future, whether we do it or not I'd still consider this attempt a success as it's done what I hoped and raised money for charity and helped strengthen bonds within the business."