Leeds Guinness World Record Holder Takes on Mental Health Awareness

A two-time world champion from Leeds is now aiming to support local people with mental health challenges.

Matthew Akpan, 34, was born in Crossgates and is currently the winner and holder of two world records. He once achieved the world record for the fastest time to complete a marathon dressed as a professional wrestler.

He also beat the targets set by the Guinness Book of World records after completing the York marathon in just 2 hours and 56 minutes, after initially being given a limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

However, that was not the end of his achievements, and he later went on to achieve first place at Leeds’ half marathon in May, again dressed as the sporting legend John Cena. That later led to him earning a congratulation from Cena himself.

His attempts to make it into the Guinness hall of fame were originally inspired as a tribute to his late father but have now become a sporting tradition for Matthew, who is now flying the flag for mental health awareness.

Speaking of his achievements, Matthew said: “I felt a sense of achievement and satisfaction because my dad passed away, and there was a lot of pressure to get it done… my body was relieved, and my headache went. It was a great feeling.”

Despite his impressive list of achievements, Matthew has faced his fair share of challenges.

At the age of 24, he was diagnosed with Aspergers after wondering why he had to retake the same modules at university. Receiving a diagnosis helped him to make sense of his challenges and gain a better understanding of himself.

Aspergers can cause impaired language and communication skills as well as repetitive or restrictive thinking and behaviour.

Following the diagnosis, Matthew decided to spread awareness of the condition to help others suffering from learning disabilities and other mental health challenges. Matthew has put his new status to good use by raising awareness about mental health and volunteering for charity work.

He now works at fundraising events and mixes with celebrities to better support those in need. The charity Bethany’s Smile is one such charity that he is involved with. The charity was set up by Bethany Hare, an actress in Hollyoaks. The charity supports children with life-limiting and threatening illnesses to support the care of these children to hopefully one day make them better again.

With two world records under his belt, Matthew is already working on becoming a champion for the third time and is working towards another marathon in May.