Welcome to the 156 Kicks Project!
Mission: Raise vital funds To provide 3x life-saving, heart screening days for young people
The Challenge
In June 2026, Tommy Gentleman attempted to set a new Guinness World Record by kicking 156 successful rugby conversions in 60 minutes. The attempt took place at the iconic Recreation Ground, home to Bath Rugby. Tommy managed to score 217 successful conversions on the day and is now waiting for official confirmation from GWR.
The challenge represents a stark reality: 156 young people die every three months in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions.
(based on C.R.Y.'s core message - 12 a week)
This is not just a world record attempt. It is a prevention-led campaign designed to raise awareness and fund life-saving cardiac screening through Cardiac Risk in the Young (C.R.Y.).
Now that the world record attempt is done, Tommy has moved into "phase 2" of the project, promising to kick 156 kicks every week (more below) to hit the fundraising target.
A community heart screening day costs £7200. Tommy needs your help to raise enough money to provide THREE free screening days across the UK, for families with any concerns to have peace of mind and potentially prevent a sudden unexpected death.
"The 156 Kicks Project Fund" has been set up within C.R.Y. to ring-fence all funds raised by the project to be dedicated towards screening days.
In March 2009, Tommy's younger Brother Jamie Gentleman passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition just 5 days before his 14th birthday, a moment that changed his and his families' lives forever.
'Tommy G' has made it his life's mission to live fully and make a difference, achieving whatever he can from his opportunity of life, honouring his Brother Jamie's legacy along the way.
(pictured below Tommy and Jamie)
PLEASE NOTE: The 156 Kicks Project is completely self funded. All funds from donations (including support partners) go towards the "156 Kicks Project Fund" a fund set up with C.R.Y ring-fenced for screening days chosen by Tommy.
Thank You to the 300 Club!
The following companies donated £300 to support the fundraising and become a member of the 300 Club!
MEET TOMMY G
Tommy Gentleman is an entrepreneur, speaker and performance-driven leader based in Hampshire.
A former world champion in sport ju-jitsu, current grass roots rugby player, youth coach and facilities lead at Hampshire RFU, Tommy is passionate about sport and the opportunities that it provides for the community.
In 2024, he set a Guinness World Record for the most rugby conversions in one minute.
Now he is going for his 2nd. This time, most rugby conversions in 60 minutes and he will be raising money for C.R.Y.
In 2009, Tommy’s younger brother Jamie died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition at just 13 years old. That loss continues to shape his belief that leadership means action especially when prevention is possible.
Through 156 Kicks for C.R.Y., Tommy is combining performance, purpose and platform to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people and support life-saving screening across the UK.
This is not just a challenge.
It is a commitment to help reduce the 156.
"We know from the good people at C.R.Y. that it costs £7200 to facilitate a "screening day". These provide families with the chance to have their children screened for free. If we are to stand a chance in reducing the number of young people that die from undiagnosed heart conditions, we must increase the amount of screenings and do whatever we can to make them easily accessible."
-Tommy Gentleman
THE CHALLENGE ITSELF
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17th JUNE 2026 - THE WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT!
What a day! We are now waiting for the official verification from Guinness world records.
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OVER £17,000 RAISED AT THE TIME OF THE ATTEMPT!
Big thanks to all that have supported so far!
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NOW ATTENTION TURNS TO 156 KICKS PER WEEK!
With special guests, weekly challenges and different venues!
WHY CRY?
Cardiac Risk in the Young (C.R.Y.) is a UK charity dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death in young people aged 35 and under.
Every week in the UK, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die from undiagnosed heart conditions. Many of these deaths are preventable through early detection.
C.R.Y. works to:
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Raise awareness of young sudden cardiac death
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Provide subsidised cardiac screening for young people
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Fund research into inherited heart conditions
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Support families affected by sudden loss
Through screening, education and research, C.R.Y. is helping to reduce the number of young lives lost each year.
156 Kicks for C.R.Y. is proud to support this life-saving work.
WHY RUGBY?
I didn't grow up playing rugby. All my cousins did and my Uncle was deeply involved with our local club Andover RFC, but when my Mum took me for a taster session, I didn't last the warm up and never went back again...Until I was 26.
I had hit my ceiling as a Footballer and I had finished my 5 year stint competing at Sport Ju Jitsu where I had won a World Championship and competed for England in 3 seperate global competitions...I wanted a new challenge.
I started playing rugby after taking part in a charity touch tournament. Let's give this a go then...
I played a season and then tore my ankle ligaments. Scrap that. I doubt I will ever play rugby again.
Then age 34, I was invited to play for Andover 3s in a Christmas fixture. Oh why not? Go on then...
I loved it.
Now, almost 4 years on, I'm enjoying playing rugby, coaching rugby (under 9s!) and I am an Executive committee member at Andover RFC.
I have also just started a voluntary position at Hampshire RFU as Facilities Lead Officer.
Rugby is worth investing in because it connects people in a way that no other sport does. The values, the friendships, the reach, the different ways to enjoy the game, I love it all, and although I may not have many years left playing week in week out, I know that I will be a supporter of the game and all that it stands for for many years to come.
TG
A huge thank you to Perfect Bore Manufacturing for being the headline partner for this project, donating £5000 to the screening fund.
How Can You Possibly Help The Project?!
I am looking for pitches, special guests and sponsors for upcoming "episodes" of the 156 Kicks Project.
In order to keep the fundraising going, I need to be using content to my advantage.
This is how I can keep things moving and gaining momentum.
If there's anything you think will help me or if you're a company that is interested in doing something creative together, then let's talk!
Tommy G
