24 December 2009
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Ready for the off!

Mad Max does it for charity...

How's BBC Cambridgeshire presenter Max Rushden getting on with his 121 hour marathon bid to stay on air for the longest time ever, ever?

Some people just can't resist a challenge, can they? Young Max Rushden - BBC Cambridgeshire presenter, reporter and general all-round nice guy - is one such chappy.

Max gets a good luck cookie!

Despite rarely staying awake for more than a couple of hours at a time, he's attempting to break the Guinness record for the longest non-stop radio broadcast. That means Max will have to stay on the airwaves for 121 hours - non-stop, all by his lonesome, and in the name of Children in Need!

Taking over 1026AM, Max started off at 3pm on Sunday 14th November, broadcasting from just outside Virgin Records in Cambridge's Grafton Centre. No sooner had he begun than eager crowds gathered around him, requesting records and wanting to know if he was giving away the brand new shiny cars parked next to him. Er, no.... that would be the BMW promotion - but at least it was pulling in the punters!

With the prospect of virtually no sleep until he finishes his show at 4pm on Friday 19th November, Max is in remarkably good spirits, although, when pressed, he can't quite remember why he decided to do it... "It seemed like a good idea at the time," he whines.

A special thanks goes out to the many Grafton Centre retailers who have been supporting Max and donating food and drink to keep him going, toys and games to keep him amused, and a giant bear to keep Max company during the long, lonely nights.

"Er... it seemed like such a good idea at the time"

Mad Max Rushden

So far, Max is managing just fine - in spite of being allowed to grab only a couple of minutes of sleep at any one time. On his first morning he realised - much to his embarrassment, that he didn't have enough time to finish showering - he's only allowed to be off the airwaves for a couple of minutes - so Monday morning saw him broadcasting in his dressing gown - half showered - and a little damp around the gills!

And the highlight of the first night? "Well," says Max, "that would be when Vijay the cleaner went round and round my z-bed in a figure of eight movement with his floor polisher."

If you think you can beat that, why not pop along to the Grafton Centre this week and give Max some support - and your spare change to Children in Need. He'll be there until Friday 19th November at 4pm.

Listen to Max

Click on the audio link at the top right of this page and listen to Max. Twenty-one hours into his record breaking attempt, Max discusses personal hygiene, life, the universe and pretty much anything that comes to mind!

Look and laugh

Take a look at the Max Gallery - photographs are added daily, so keep popping back for your daily fix of the lovely Mr Rushden. The gallery link is at the top right of this page.

last updated: 19/11/04

Have Your Say

Alison W
You get a MILLION Brownie points for this, Max. Just leave the house monkey ALONE!

Allan
Well done Max. You have been an inspiration. I have srung into action and organised my contribution to trustline

The Real Matt W
A quote from your biggest fan, Ellie Martin, Age 6 & 3/4 "Max... ...is still an idiot."

Nathan Burrough
Keep it up Max - it's all money in the bank. Respect from the mighty Poly 6's.

Tricia and Terry Wilby
Nearly there Max! Keep going! (PS you have reached the dizzy heights of Hills Road SFC Bulletin!)

Tim
Thursday 9.50pm Dear Max, Can you help please? I am finalising my list of Christmas presents to buy. I know the Live Aid DVD is already in the shops, but, can you tell me if the full length DVD box set of your complete programme will be out in time for Christmas, or will we have to wait 19 years as for the live Aid one? In years to come people will talk about what they were doing at the time of your record breaking programme (in a similar, but different way to the time of the President Kennedy shooting) Keep on going - it's great hearing you all through the day. Best Wishes Tim PS Is anyone doing a sponsored listen to Max?

Josh
Max can you be a mate and nip upstairs to find out what's on at the cinema.

Matthew Walsham
I love Max. He is the greatest!

Clokey
Max How about a rendition of "House on the Rock" if you run out of ideas.... maybe not

AFTER4 (The band appearing at The Grafton Centre's
Hi Max. We'll try and keep you awake tomorrow in the run down to your amazing world record!!!

Jordan and micheal
good luck dude from micheal and jordan hope u have fun

jordan
good luck

Ryan Wood
You don't sound any different over the radio.

malcolm bromfield
good luck Max i know what you are doing and how you feel i did a non stop DJ in the 70s for nine days

Tim
Dear Max, You're sounding fresher tonight than yesterday. By Friday you'll be well sparkling! - you'll be as high as that young lads balloon that escaped from his hand earlier today! Keep smiling PS I've now found how to hear you on the internet rather than the internet FM service.

Alan
Keep up the good work from all at TNR Radio.

Felix
Helping you out today (I was the work experience guy) was literally one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done!!! I HAVE NO DOUBT YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT, MAX!!!

Nick
Well done on the British record - will send $10 from Minneapolis (am I your longest distance listener ?). This internet thing will never catch on.

Brendan
Go on son, start freaking out on air!

Nick Harding
Max, you left the living room in a tip when you left on Sunday. I'm going to dump all you stuff in your room. If this happens again you are out of the house. I mean it this time.

ian speed
keep going max...its 5 in the morning and you sound fine ...well just

Tim
Dear Max, Having a good time listening to you over the past couple of days - almost like listening to Lazer 558 in the 1980's! The signal goes a bit off by about the south west of London, but gets better on the A1. Did I hear you earlier today saying that you were having to start going around the Radio Cambridgeshire playlist a second time! Is less that 2 days worth of music all that the station is alowed from the BBC? How about a loan of some CD's from some of the Cambridge music stores? Would you like to borrow a few of mine for later in the week? do you have any Steve Harley/Cockney Rebel?, or how about BeBop Deluxe, Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric, Jilted John, Ian Dury, Lena Lovich, Early Roxy, Flying Aces, Brinzley Schwartz,Yauts, Noel Coward,John Betchjamin(spelling?), Early David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Motors, Ducks Deluxe, Tyla Gang etc. I am going to bed myself now, but will be up again at about 6.00am (ish). Sorry I cannot receive you over the net -I'll just have to tune in to BBC7. It's the second half of tonight's Forsyte Saga on now. Keep enjoying yourself and giving all of us listeners a very pleasurable week. Sleep well (for 5 minutes anyway!) Be seeing you. Best Wishes Tim

Nick
Not surprised in the least. Do you have your anvil to keep you company through those long Grafton Centre nights ?

Louise
Good luck Max - this might keep the narcolepsy away once and for good!

nathan hickton
He's absolutly bonkers!

Sven Bigglesnob
Max, Why do you ignore my calls and my letters. One day you will be mine. x

Jane
Hi Max, You're doing a great job..... keep smiling. I have been listening to you each day on my way to work and listen for a few minutes at bedtime to see if you are OK. Good luck for the rest of the week ..... I'll keep listening and wishing you well in your record break. Cheers

stuart
hi max all the best your doing great what a presenter !! from all in skegness the grand hotel , keep it up

Andy Aitken
Alright mate good luck with the challenge and just to let you know i'll be down your way this friday if you fancy going out.

Phoebe
Mad Audio Experience! with you all the way. Got everyone at home tuned in good luck keep taking the coffee!xxx

Sarah Longhair
Good luck Max! I'd love to see you again once you've finished. I'll be waiting on our grassy knoll...

Penny Lury
Hi Max, Hope you make it and prove Josh and Fergs wrong!

Ferg
Max, just think, come next easter you'll be facing a much tougher test!!!! Good luck mate.

Graham
Good luck, mate. Heard you today in Nottingham, but a bit crackily. What about the A14 anthems....

Chris Hargraves
The nottingham wing of the hargraves family sends its support...

Nichols
Max = Vain (Mr.)

IT John
Max is a walking god in the radio world and should be given a presenting job on one of the nationals immediately!!! (Any chance I can be your producer if this works...I'll settle for BA!)

Richard Christie
I always fancied him at school - I really hope his unique brand of humour gets the exposure it richly deserves!

Dave Gibbs
Play the Nelson Mandela song continuously at full volume!!

les
Remember The Alamo!

George
Do it for Da Bass Man

Rob
See if you can get Mr Thomas in for an all-night maths homework marking session. That should keep you awake.

Mark Judson
So this is what your parents paid all that money for!! Keep a straight bat,and Mrs Pullen sends her regards.

Laura Payne
Whilst trying to end child poverty I would love to listen to 1026MW - is it possible to listen through the internet as you can with bbc camb fm radio shows? Hope you have a great day today, with love L xx

Nick Harding
max = mega stupid

crispin
hallelujah, i kiss the world! all the luck in the world to max, and all the love in the world to everyone in das grafton!

Tricia & family
Good luck Max, We are all behind you 100%,will pop in and see you struggle ! You always have been totally insane so i'm sure you will manage ok. Have a great time x

andrew wilson
max = stupid

arulanantham suresh joachim (multi guinness record holder)
YOU ARE A LIVING PROOF IN FRONT OF OUR EYES THAT WITH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE THE CHARITABLE CAUSE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU IS TRULY OUT OF THIS WORLD GO GET IT BROTHER GOD BLESS YOU

Claire
You're mad max!