Suspended cage-man returns to earth

Media Release

This World Record attempt is about to complete.
New Zealand media, please refer to Release #1 below.

All international media please scroll down to Release #2 below.

Media Release

Release #1 New Zealand Media

NEWS RELEASE: TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2009

New Zealand is setting a record - 24 hours to get it over the line

New Zealand will be the home of a new world record at Midday, Wednesday 22 April, 2009.

Supporting the Problem Gambling Foundation, Alastair Galpin has been suspended 18 metres above the ground living in a cage for the last 20 days, busily conducting radio interviews with stations in New Zealand and around the globe and counting down to 100 - 100 Radio Interviews Suspended in a Cage, a new Record Holders' Republic title.

At 85 interviews, and with just on 24 hours to go, the pressure is on to reach 100 by Midday, Wednesday, 22 April 2009.

A lover of adventure, Alastair discovered in 2004 that setting world records can be a smart way to help worthwhile charities drive awareness of the services they offer the public.

"We set the target at 100 to secure a title that can stand up to global competition and because this is a message that has enormously wide importance," said Alastair.

"This cubicle has become my new home: two toilets and a computer desk. I am filthy but this will make a difference."

"I've been here all the time, but I feel like I have travelled all over the globe talking to people from Belize to the Outer Hebrides, Tenerife to the Falklands - all from my laptop straddling the porcelain public toilet bowel," he said.

Since his airborne confinement on 1 April, Alastair has spoken to many New Zealand stations as well as radio hosts in Belgium, Britain, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Belize, plus the Falkland Islands and Guam. The list goes on.

"At the same time, New Zealand is the place where a new record is being set AND the support offered by the Problem Gambling Foundation is being heard," he said.

"Gambling need not become your problem: there is help and it's free and confidential. They are simple messages and ones that we hope this new world record will help reach those in need," he said.

Click on the link to see the caged man: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIYZPp6J7M

The Challenge:
Confinement start date: Wednesday, 1 April, 2009 Release date: Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Where: Rainbow's End, Manukau, Auckland
Target: 100 radio interviews while suspended in a cage
Current tally: 85 interviews
Time to go: 24 hours

See Page Two for additional commentary from the man in the cage, Alastair Galpin (Mad Al):

"Well-wishers have been a huge help boosting morale. Dotted across the world, people have increasingly sent messages of encouragement. And of course, the personal questions," he laughs.

· What would you be doing if you had a girl in there? Britain, Live
· How many underpants do you own? Australia, Live
· Describe to our listeners how you go to the toilet up there. New Zealand, Live

"And of course there is the host commentary: On the line we have an insane man; Surely the psychologist has a report on you...? Well, all fair questions I guess," he smiles.

"Only 24 hours to go. Only the odd meal and drink has been struck off the platform by foul weather, which is pretty good going. But, I can't tell you how good it is going to feel to toss away these clothes I have worn for three weeks solid, bath five times and welcome hugs from my supporters."

-ends-

Release # 2 -International Media

NEWS RELEASE: TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2009

A New World Record...the clock is ticking
Suspended 18 metres up and returning to earth very soon. (Auckland, New Zealand)

21 days in, suspended 18 meters up in a cage and Mad Al is dirty, tired but fired-up to get the final few radio interviews to bring a new feat to the world, all the while bringing a unique voice to the message that there is help for people with a gambling addiction.

The target: 100 radio interviews while suspended in a cage: Record Holders' Republic title.

"This cubicle has become my new home: two toilets and a computer desk. I am filthy but this will make a difference," says Mad Al.

"I've been here all the time, but I feel like I have travelled all over the globe talking to people from Belize to the Outer Hebrides, Tenerife to the Falklands - all from my laptop straddling the porcelain public toilet bowel," he said.

"Gambling need not become your problem: there is help and it's free and confidential. These are simple messages and ones that we hope this new world record will help reach those in need everywhere," he said.

Now Mad Al is counting down the last 24 hours of his captivity and clocking up his final few interviews. The tally: 85 done, 15 to go

"Well-wishers have been a huge help boosting morale. Dotted across the world, people have increasingly sent messages of encouragement. And of course, the personal questions," he laughs.

· What would you be doing if you had a girl in there? Britain, Live.
· How many underpants do you own? Australia, Live.
· Describe to our listeners how you go to the toilet up there. New Zealand, Live.

And of course there is the host commentary: On the line we have an insane man; Surely, the psychologist has a report on you...? Well, all fair questions I guess," he smiles.

"But wherever around the globe this story has gone to air, regular people from farm-hands to ministers, and pensioners to entertainers responded to their local broadcasters. Communities seemed hungry for freely available information - the sort that the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand offers is doing a huge amount of good."

"Only 24 hours to go. Only the odd meal and drink has been struck off the platform in foul weather, which is pretty good going I have to say. But, I can't tell you how good it is going to feel to toss away these clothes that I have worn for three weeks solid, bath five times and welcome hugs from my supporters."

Click on the link to see the caged man: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIYZPp6J7M

The Challenge:
Confinement start date: Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Release date: Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Where: Rainbow's End,Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand
Target: 100 radio interviews while suspended in a cage
Record: Record Holders' Republic
Current tally: 85 interviews
Time to go: 24 hours

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