A strongman is gearing up to smash three world records by pulling a one tonne van more than 50 MILES - after practicing by hauling vehicles around a Lidl car park. <br /><br />Former squaddie Matt Cooper, 30, is preparing to lug the vehicle further than the length of two marathons in the space of just 72 hours to raise money for charity.<br /><br />He will pull the 1.3 tonne (1,200kg) vehicle around a 400m cycle track in Tiddlington, Warks., a staggering 212 times. <br /><br />In doing so he will break three world records - the fastest ever marathon pulling a car, the first to complete a double marathon pulling a vehicle, and the longest distance to ever pull a car.<br /><br />Matt, who is 5ft 9ins tall and weighs 17 stone, is currently training for his mammoth achievement by pulling cars around his local supermarket car park.<br /><br />He will be pulling the van around the track using a full body harness for three days with only a few short breaks to rest and fill up on food for energy.<br /><br />Matt, a digger driver, from Banbury, Oxon, said: “I decided to attempt to break these world records after reading about a guy who was able to pull a car the length of a marathon in 19 hours and 46 minutes.<br /><br />“So, I thought why not try to beat this and then go that extra mile and complete two marathons as well.<br /><br />“When I complete the challenge in September it will be almost a non-stop challenge for the three days.<br /><br />“I will only take short breaks for a quick rest and to fuel up on more food.<br /><br />“I am absolutely terrified, nervous but excited about the challenge."<br /><br />Matt is currently training four hours a week and as the challenge draws closer he will up his workout regime.<br /><br />To build up strength, he is currently eating between 4,000-5,000 calories a day but will increase this to 7,000 as the weeks draw nearer.<br /><br />A typical day of eating consists of five slices of toast covered in peanut butter and bananas for breakfast followed by another large helping of fruit covered toast for lunch and a large side of chicken.<br /><br />For dinner Matt will consume another hefty meal of chicken and rice and will snack on chocolate and sweets throughout the day to get to meet his daily calorie target.<br /><br />The former communications system operator for the Royal Signals added: “I’ve started off moderately with my training and eating and this will progress and I will add to it as we get closer to the challenge.<br /><br />Matt's girlfriend Holly Round, 28, and his family and friends will also take it in turns to steer the car around the track on the day of the challenge.<br /><br />Matt is raising funds for BEAT – an eating disorder charity and hopes to smash his target of £1,500.<br /><br />The three-day challenge will commence at the Home Guard Club in Tiddington on September 7 and finish on September 9.<br /><br />To donate to Matt’s JustGiving fundraising page, visit: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/matt-cooper-doublecarmarathon
