Hop star: Phoebe bounces into record books with seafront fund-raiser for troops

The 24-year-old classroom assistant set a new record for the longest distance travelled on a space-hopper in 24 hours on one of the hottest days of the year. It took her four and three quarter hours bouncing back and forth between Scarborough’ North and South Bays twice to complete the distance of 4.1 miles and break the previous record of four miles.

Accountant’s daughter Phoebe set out to raise the cash for Para Regiment Charity because of the love of her life Lewis Merron.

The 22-year-old Lance Corporal is currently serving in Afghanistan. He is nearing the end of his third tour in the war zone, having previously served in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

The couple, who met through friends and are both from Scarborough are set for a joyful reunion after six months apart.

Phoebe, of Stepney Road, who works at Scarborough Sixth Form College, said: “He seems to be coping fine. But I know he is looking forward to coming home.

“I am just doing it because I’m so proud of my boyfriend. I have been topping up my fitness by doing around 90 squats a day and running four or five times a week.

“I have only been practising bouncing in my garden until today. But I never doubted I could do it I just needed to take my time.”

Lewis returns home in a month – when his older brother Ryan, 27, also a soldier, flies out to take his place in the front line.

The money will benefit ex-Paras and their families, including the wounded and victims of post traumatic stress.

Phoebe completed her bouncing feat in the sunshine cheered on by the Bank Holiday crowds.