The world’s strongest footballer, AFC Wimbledon’s Bayo Akinfenwa, bench-pressed Pudsey Bear for Children in Need in Wimbledon on Friday afternoon.
Nicknamed ‘The Beast’, Mr Akinfenwa’s strength has made him a cult hero with football fans up and down the country, and his 97/100 strength rating on the Fifa video game series is the highest in the world.
Irene Strank with Bayo Akinfenwa
Mr Akinfenwa did five reps lifting a ten stone Pudsey at Paul Strank Roofing in Weir Road, Wimbledon, whose staff have been raising money for Children in Need for 30 years.
Mr Akinfenwa said: "As footballers we’re very lucky to do what we do and we’re all blessed, so I think there’s a massive responsibility to give back.
"I’m not like other footballers and my strength makes me a bit different, makes me stand out a bit, so it’s good to use that to do some good. And it’s all a bit of fun.
"No matter how big or small, any way I can help others like this I’ll always do it."
Business owner Irene Strank said: "Bayo is a really fantastic guy, really good family man.
"It’s great when someone who’s so well-known locally gives up his time to help out at events like this. He’s a very busy guy and he’s got a lot of commitments but it really makes such a difference."
Did you raise money for Children in Need? Send us your pictures and how much you raised to newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.
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