Last updated at 15:33, Monday, 12 October 2009

A BID to break the world record for the number of people to do the conga while wearing wellies fell agonisingly short.

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But the first ever Conga for Congo event in Witherslack on Saturday was hailed a great success and raised lots of money to help disadvantaged people in Africa.

The conga line was made up of 189 wellington-clad fund-raisers – just 19 short of the existing World Records Academy record of 208.

They sang and danced round the route that started and finished at Dean Barwick Primary School, while Black Lace’s Do The Conga belted out over the speakers.

All proceeds will help send villagers and members of Witherslack’s Outreach House church on a mission to the Congo next year.

They will work with an organisation in Goma on the Congo-Rwanda border to help people affected by war and natural disasters.

John Sainsbury, chief organiser and member of Outreach House, told the crowd after the record attempt: “The really, really good news is everybody who came has paid some money to help people from Witherslack to travel to Africa and help people living in the Congo.

“You can all go home today knowing that you did your bit to help people who are a lot worse off than all of us, and for that you can be very proud.”

Outreach House member Keith Smith will be part of the touring party to the Congo.

He raised £520 by having his legs waxed and said: “It was brilliant, even if it was a shame we were just short.

“We actually sold enough tickets to break the record but some must have left early.

“The most important thing is how everyone has come together to raise money.

“Eight of us will go next year, four from the church and four from the village, though we’ve actually got more who’d like to go. Some will work with the Christian leaders, I will coach football – we’ll do whatever they ask of us.”

Ellie Matteson, 10, of Windermere Junior School, joined the conga and raised £100 by not eating sweets and chocolate for a month.

Ellie said: “It was brilliant. I wouldn’t say I eat absolutely loads but I do love my sweets and chocolate. My family, friends and lots of people helped me raise the money.”

First published at 13:09, Monday, 12 October 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk