Student bounces into the record books with fastest mile on a pogo stick

Jack Sexty, aged 24, who in April became the first person in history to pogo an entire marathon, took on the stunt in Helsingborg, Sweden, to boost funds for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Jack, from Penkridge, bounced the mile in 10mins 2secs – shaving two minutes and 14 seconds off the previous fastest time. Jack hopes his record-breaking mile will help add to the £1,000 in donations his pogo exploits have already raised for the charity.

Jack became affectionately known as 'Mr Pogo' after completing the Greater Manchester Marathon on a pogo stick in 16 hours 24 minutes.

His efforts landed him two Guinness World Records – the longest distance pogoed in 24 hours and fastest marathon on a pogo stick. Jack's latest challenge took place at the grand finals of the showpiece extreme pogo event Pogopalooza. The annual world championships are organised by Xpogo, the international governing body of the urban pursuit.

Jack's latest record bid was all about skill and speed, with the clock starting as soon as he mounted his pogo stick. He managed to beat the previous record despite a cyclist riding into his path just 300 metres from the finish line.

Jack, who studies journalism at Staffordshire University, said: "Once again I've been fundraising for both Alzheimer's Research UK and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. A close relative of mine is unfortunately battling Alzheimer's disease so Alzheimer's Research UK is a charity which resonates with me and my family. It's an illness that does nothing for anybody and eradication is now a real possibility, and that's why it's important to keep the funds coming in to allow the experts to continue working towards a cure.

"Before April I'd never done anything like this before and now I'm a multiple pogo record holder. It's mad. There was a great turnout to watch me go for the record."

He added: "Pogoing the mile was a lot more strenuous than the marathon. The marathon was all about surviving the distance, while this was all about speed and hitting that target. It was tough on my back and I had to put so much effort into each bounce to keep my speed up. I've already had a challenger come forward wanting to break my mile record, but it's healthy competition – that's what it's all about."

To help Jack raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK, donate online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mightaswelljump. For further information about Alzheimer's Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org