Billy Boyd with Jordyn Smith before the taekwondo Guinness World Record attempt at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow

SCOTS actor Billy Boyd has helped break the world record for the largest synchronised taekwondo routine to raise money for a children’s charity.

The Lord of the Rings star joined employees of professional services firm KPMG in Glasgow for the Big Blue Kick in support of Barnardo’s.

The co-ordinated martial arts display took place in locations across the UK including London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds and involved around 900 people.

The routine raised £50,000 for the charity and was officially verified as a new Guinness World Record for the greatest number of people participating in a co-ordinated taekwondo display at multiple venues.

In Glasgow, martial arts instructors Nikos Jakubiak and Angie Bailey led Billy, 30 KPMG staff and students from the Central Taekwondo Academy in Falkirk through the routine.
The actor said: “It’s been a privilege to be involved with today’s record-breaking effort. Everyone taking part has had a lot of fun raising money for such a worthwhile cause.

“By setting this new world record, KPMG have helped raised awareness for Barnardo’s Scotland and the great work they do with young people across Scotland.”

KPMG has raised over £1 million throughout the UK for Barnardo’s in the first 18 months of its two-year fundraising commitment to the charity. The company also sponsors the Great Britain taekwondo team.

Craig Anderson, senior partner for KPMG in Scotland, said: “We had a fantastic response from staff keen to help set an impressive world record and raise money for an excellent cause. As well as raising money for Barnardo’s Scotland, the Big Blue Kick enabled us to demonstrate our support for GB Taekwondo in what is a huge year for them.”

SallyAnn Kelly, acting director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “This is a great achievement by KPMG. The money raised will go towards helping the invaluable work we do with vulnerable children every day.”

Steve Flynn, commercial manager at GB Taekwondo, said: “Congratulations to the staff of KPMG for their fantastic efforts and for their continued support of the GB team who I’m sure will be inspired by your success today.”

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