World Record Attempt Brings BCP Community Together

Arsenal Whittick greeting one of many volunteers who arrived at The Dolphin Poole to support him

Autism awareness activist Arsenal Whittick (aged 62), set out to break the Guinness World Record for Most Individuals Hugged in 60 Seconds.  

At 1pm on Sunday 19th January 2025, over a hundred BCP locals arrived at The Dolphin Poole in support of the attempt.  

The current record for Most Individuals Hugged in 60 Seconds in 88 people, which meant Arsenal needed more than 90 people to help with the attempt.  

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of The Dolphin said, “The community came out in force to support Arsenal today and it’s heartwarming to see. We’re glad to have had the chance to bring the people of Poole together for such a great cause. It’s exactly the sort of thing our GATHER events space was designed for.” 

The Dolphin Poole called for local volunteers to sign up on Eventbrite, to which 99 people responded.  

After four attempts, Arsenal achieved 91 hugs within the time limit, which was met with much celebration from his supporters. This achievement marks a huge milestone for Arsenal, as he has struggled with physical affection for most of his life. 

In a recent video shared by The Dolphin Poole on Facebook, Arsenal said, “I’d never really showed affection to my two girls and I didn’t realise it was hurting them. 

“On 26th May 2011, I was diagnosed with autism and then I started to learn about autism, the things I can do the things I can’t do. One of the main things I wanted to do was be able to hug my two girls. 

“Since then, [the world record attempt] has just been a goal to prove I can do it.  

“To beat the world record would just be an honour for me to show people that give us time to process, and with the right help, we can do things.” 

Autism activist Arsenal Whittick with his daughters Sam and Danni. They are smiling and standing in front of promotional banners advertising Arsenal's biography, A Boy Called Arsenal. One banner reads, 'Number one autism book'

Arsenal’s daughters Sam and Danielle Whittick took the privileged positions of first and last in line during the attempt.

Sam expressed how proud she was of her father for attempting something of this magnitude: “I think it’s incredible because he didn’t hug anybody ever and now, he’s trying to. He’s an all-or-nothing kind of a guy, so I think it’s really something to be proud of that he’s attempting this today.” 

Author Alan J Hill, who wrote Arsenal’s poignant biography, A Boy Called Arsenal, also registered to be part of the attempt. 

Arsenal’s record attempt is currently being verified by Guinness World Records, and is yet to be confirmed as a new world record.