Kincardine-area native becomes a world record holder

Jamie Richardson of Gulfport, Mississippi, formerly of the Kincardine area, became a world record holder after 150 hours of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettle.

Richardson grew up in Purple Grove, went to school in Ripley and Kincardine and worked at the Davidson Centre before moving to the United States.

A story from WLOX in Biloxi, Mississippi, states that after more than six days of near-constant bell-ringing, Richardson broke the 150-hour record at 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, surrounded by his friends and family.

"My hands are sore and cold from the wet but they'll be okay," Richardson said.

"I am blown away. I really am so proud of Jamie," said William Delcuze, a family friend. "We were standing here and thinking a minute ago, you know 150 hours is almost four working weeks in America."

With only a five-minute break allowed every hour, Richardson went without sleep for nearly a week. But, it's nothing compared to the hardship he used to face. After a period of time of living on the streets, he turned to the Salvation Army for help.

"We got through it," said Richardson. "We went to the Salvation Army and they became family to us."

Which is why it was so easy for him to agree to take on the challenge.

"The emphasis all along has never been on Jamie, though. It's on the Salvation Army and the work that the Army does," said Delcuze.

As for what's on Richardson's agenda after his week of charity, "We're going to church this morning and then probably go home to bed," he said.

Story used by permission of www.WLOX.com.

To watch the video of this story, go to www.kxxv.com/story/33863433/local-man-breaks-world-record



Jamie Richardson of Gulfport, Mississippi, formerly of the Kincardine area, becomes a world record holder after 150 hours of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettle; photo courtesy of WLOX