A local strongman is taking on a mammoth World Record-breaking challenge to raise funds for The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland this Saturday.

As recently reported, William Cannon (46) from Largs is calling on big-hearted local people and businesses to sponsor his bid to break fourteen World Records in 2014, with all money raised going to vital support services for people with autism and their families in Scotland.

William, who took part in the World Games and was accepted for the Olympic Programme 2000-2007, is looking to break three World Records on March 21st - the 40lb, 60lb and 80lb rucksack and squat – in just 30 minutes on March 21st at the Vikingar! Largs, between 2-3pm.

He will also attempt to break two weightlifting World Records - the conventional deadlift 255kg in his age and weight category and the sumo deadlift of 97.5 kg for one minute, reaching over 49 repetitions. The weightlifting wonder already has two British weightlifting world records under his belt - the squat weightlifting record and the deadlift weightlifting record for his age group and weight division There are an estimated 58,000 people with autism in Scotland with more than 100 thought to live in Largs. Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition. People with the condition experience severe challenges in communication, social situations and understanding the world around them. They can face isolation and loneliness, and struggle to understand the world around them. Without the right support autism can have a profound, sometimes devastating affect, on individuals and their families.

William, 46, commented, “Autism is a subject close to my heart. My ten-year old nephew, James Stewart was recently diagnosed with the condition. I’ve seen first-hand the challenges he faces every day and how hard he works to overcome them. NAS Scotland does such important work to support families and I just want to do anything I can to help.” Commenting, Karron Kent, fundraising officer for The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland said: “William is inspirational. We are hugely appreciative of the time, dedication and imagination he has put into fundraising for NAS Scotland. He clearly has a very big heart to go with the big muscles and we wish him every success in his latest record breaking attempt. We’re sure lots of local people will be at Vikingar! on March 21st to cheer William on.” Karron, who lives in Largs, continued, “NAS Scotland is the leading national charity for people affected by autism. But as a charity, we rely on donations and fundraising to continue to provide the support that people affected by autism need. The money raised by William’s fantastic record breaking will make a real, positive difference to the lives of people with the autism in Scotland.” To support William’s fundraising, please visit his website: www.virginmoney.com@williamcannon1 William’s future World Record attempts for 2014 include: The Plank, the Samsons Chair, the 200 kg squat for 3 minutes, the sumo squats for one hour with no weights, the one legged squat for one minute, the sumo squats for one minute with no weights and the conventional squats for one hour,