A Guinness World Records attempt for the largest display of origami hearts will take place on Saturday 9 February 2019 at the Deep End, part of the student hub of the Universities at Medway.
The record breaking event is the brainchild of Ian Farr, a PhD student in the University’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and is part of a campaign by Sport Studies Society of the universities of Kent and Greenwich to raise funds for two charities – The Molly McLaren Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
The heart was chosen as the project’s emblem as it is an anatomical and physiological symbol of health, vitality and compassion.
Discussing the event and record attempt Ian Farr said: ‘A six-metre square installation will be divided to resemble the chambers of the heart. People will be able to walk through it and become essentially blood cells moving in and out of the heart and so become part of the art.’
After six months of work by volunteers, more than 50,000 origami hearts have been made. They will now be glued to paper to a specific criteria to meet the Guinness World Records rules and have maximum visual impact.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Education, Professor April McMahon, said: ‘It’s an exciting project and a brilliant example of community involvement led by our students.’
The world record attempt will take place on 9 February between 17:30-18:30. It is free to attend, but spectators should book a ticket here: https://paperheartproject.eventbrite.co.uk as refreshments will be provided.