Family close in on football scarves world record after Guinness ruling

The parents of Alfie are looking to take the mantle from a fan in the United Arab Emirates and raise awareness for MECP2.

*Alfie with the vast collection of scarves, which are bundled together in bales of 50 and are attached by safety pins.*

THE family of a little boy with a rare genetic disorder are closing in on breaking the world record for longest chain of football scarves, after having their initial bid knocked back by Guinness.

Mark and Rachel Lund of Burscough had collected nearly three miles of shirts, flags and other football memorabilia in a bid to raise money and awareness for MECP2 which their eight-year-old, Alfie, suffers from.

Dad, Mark, brother, Cameron, and Alfie, regularly attend non-league football games where a good proportion of their support comes from. Here they are at Salford City’s Moor Lane with Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

The condition, which stems from an extra copy of DNA on the X chromosome, leaves Alfie unable to walk or talk, and means that he has severe learning difficulties.

*Alfie and his Dad, Mark, with some of their most recent additions.*

Guinness rejected their initial idea, citing that “each record needs to be standardisable and achievable worldwide.”

“By having one type of memorabilia, this makes it possible for others to attempt it as it is clear from the guidelines what we require,” they said.

“We look forward to receiving their evidence for the longest line of scarves and wish them the best of luck in their attempt.”

*Alfie already holds one world record, as he helped to officiate the “longest marathon playing five-a-side football (soccer)”.*

They have since set their sights on breaking the world record for longest chain of scarves which stands at 1,192.5 metres, currently held by Dubai-based Salem Al Karbi.

Once they have achieved their goal, the scarves will be auctioned off for charity MECP2 UK, set up in 2010 by Rhona Connolly who commended the “amazing” Lunds:

“They are lovely, the Lunds. They are amazing and have been great fundraising for Alfie and now for the charity, I don’t know how they do it,” she said.

“Money raised goes towards things such as respite care, and we lost two kids this year and were able to help with funeral costs.”

They originally set up the Alfie Lund Fund, which has raised thousands of pounds with help from the likes of Everton, Liverpool and The Stone Roses.Mark and Alfie pictured with a guitar donated and signed Mani from The Stone Roses, also featuring autographs from the rest of the band. It made almost £6,000 after being raffled off.

But Mum Rachel, who is a trustee and committee member for MECP2 UK said: “We decided a couple of years ago to turn our attention to the UK charity and help them out because of the success of Alfie’s fund.”

To find out more about MECP2 or make a donation visit www.thealfielundfund.co.uk.