Phil Knight, of Ainslie Wood Road, Chingford, is drumming for five days to raise money for the Helen Bamber Foundation (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Phil Knight, of Ainslie Wood Road, Chingford, is drumming for five days to raise money for the Helen Bamber Foundation

5:59pm Tuesday 21st July 2009

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A CHINGFORD musician is aiming for the record books by drumming solidly for FIVE days for charity.

Phil Knight, 25, who lives in Ainslie Wood Road, Chingford, with his parents Julie and Steve, his sister Sam and his fiancé Charlie, is currently drumming in Leicester Square.

The former Highams Park School pupil is attempting to beat the current world record for continuous drumming, which stands at 102 hours and 49 minutes.

Apart from short restroom and food breaks he must drum 24 hours a day without stopping.

He began his arduous task on Sunday and is due to finish on Thursday at 4.40pm.

Mr Knight, a freelance session drummer, is attempting to raise £5,000 for the human rights charity the Helen Bamber Foundation.

He was introduced to the work of Helen Bamber by Emma Thompson, who he met at one of his gigs a few years ago.

The actor has donated £1,000 to the cause.

He has also received messages of support from singers Sir Elton John, Craig David and Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield.

Before beginning his challenge Mr Knight said: “It really moved me when I saw the work Helen Bamber does for women who are survivors of rape, genocide and other gross human rights violations.”

Mr Knight's sister Sam said family members were taking it in turns in Leicester Square cheering him on.

She said: “He hit a bit of a wall on Monday but at no point did he say he was giving up.

“People have been watching him drum and he seems to be getting a good reaction from people.

“We are all supporting him, even though he is a bit of a nutter!”

To sponsor Mr Knight visit justgiving.com/drumforlife/

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