Autism activist may have broken world hugging record in Poole
Arsenal Whittick aimed to have the most hugs in a minute
Last updated 22nd Jan 2025
It's hoped a Bournemouth autism activist has broken a world record, for the most hugs in a minute - but he'll have to wait to see if it's confirmed.
6\2 year old Arsenal Whittick aimed to reach the milestone at the Dolphin Centre in Poole on Sunday (19th January), with hundreds of people turning out to help.
The previous record was 88 people hugged in 60 seconds, with 91 hugs given out by Arsenal during the time limit.
The challenge was especially difficult for him, as he's struggled with physical affection for most of his life.
Arsenal said: "I’d never really showed affection to my two girls and I didn’t realise it was hurting them.
“On 26th May 2011, I was diagnosed with autism and then I started to learn about autism, the things I can do the things I can’t do. One of the main things I wanted to do was be able to hug my two girls.
“Since then, the world record attempt has just been a goal to prove I can do it.
“To beat the world record would just be an honour for me to show people that give us time to process, and with the right help, we can do things.”
Arsenal’s daughters Sam and Danielle Whittick took the privileged positions of first and last in line during the attempt.
Sam expressed how proud she was of her father: “I think it's incredible because he didn't hug anybody ever and now, he's trying to. He’s an all-or-nothing kind of a guy, so I think it's really something to be proud of that he's attempting this today."
Arsenal’s record attempt is currently being verified by Guinness World Records, with a wait to see if he's successful.
John Grinnell, Centre Manager of The Dolphin said:
“The community came out in force to support Arsenal and it's heartwarming to see. We’re glad to have had the chance to bring the people of Poole together for such a great cause. It’s exactly the sort of thing our GATHER events space was designed for.”
Rayo Premium