Fenny Compton archer’s record attempt is motivated by the memory of his granddaughter

At Trinity School next Saturday Paul Roberts, 49,of Leamington Archery Society, will attempt to break the Guinness world record for marathon archery which currently stands at 27 hours.

If he is successful Mr Roberts, who has been shooting for ten years, will dedicate the record to his “beautiful” six-year-old granddaughter Jess, who died in a car accident in July.

He said: “It still doesn’t seem real that it happened. “It feels strange to tell people I have two grandchildren now rather than three.

“Sometimes it feels like it never happened, I guess that’s just my way of trying to cope with it.”

Mr Roberts is using his record attempt to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

It was the Wiltshere Air Ambulance who took his daughter-in-law Louise to hospital after the accident.

Mr Robert’s son Tom, Louise’s husband and Jess’s father, also had his life saved by an air ambulance crew after he was in a car crash ten years ago.

Mr Roberts said: “I’m far more stressed about the fundraising side of things.

“Since this started it has become more important.

“If I don’t break the record I could live with that butb there are so many people involved with the other side of it now there is more pressure.”

Mr Roberts is aiming to shoot for 30 hours.

Abiding by international rules he must shoot three arrows and fetch them within two minutes.

Evert hour for which he shoots will earn him a five-minute break which will be added to the record attempt.

If he misses the target with any shot then he will fail the attempt.

Mr Roberts said: “My biggest worry is that a lack of concentration will lead to me missing the target.

“I have to hit every shot which seems a bit harsh considering if it was a tournament anywhere in the world you wouldn’t be kicked out if you missed.

“I’m not worried about getting tired or the fatigue I’m just worried I could let a shot go to soon.”

Mr Roberts’ youngest daughter Isobel, 14, is a five-time National Champion at archery, having set eight British records over seven years.

Having not won anything himself, the father of three said this was his chance to make hismark in the sport.

He said: “I just want to be able to look back and say there was something I achieved in my chosen sport.”

To sponsor Mr Roberts visit www.justgiving.com/Paul-Roberts39