A man has muscled his way through a mammoth coach pull to raise funds to support a young boy with a life-limiting condition.

Rocky Troiani, 49, of Luton Road, Chatham, not only managed to raise £4,000, but believes he has broken a world record.

Mr Troiani has been lifting weights for 30 years and took up the challenge for Tee-Jay Teirney, two, from Eva Road, Gillingham, who was born with a rare disorder known as GM1 gangliosidosis, which destroys nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

At just 5ft 6in and weighing 15 stone, many of the strongmen who attempt to pull these kind of weights are 10 stone heavier and use harnesses to achieve the feat.

But all Mr Troiani had was a rope and his own resolve to move the motor on Sundaym in Saltings Road in Snodland.

A day of charity activities, including a raffle, then took place at Snodland Working Men’s Club.

Rochester resident Alan Howe, a close friend of Mr Troiani, also revealed there was a last-minute change of plan the strongman had to contend with.

He said: “We found out the day before that the 12-ton truck we practised with wasn’t available, so he had to pull an 18.5-ton coach instead.”

Not letting the new circumstances phase him, Mr Troiani still pulled the bus 20 metres in just 29.4 seconds - smashing the next best time by more than 20 seconds.

He said: “I’ve spoken to an editor at the Guinness World Records and I just need to send my video evidence to them to get it confirmed.”

Mr Troiani got in shape through a gruelling workout regime, which involved gym visits six to seven nights a week, on top of his full-time job as a car salesman.

“I’m so blessed to have so many great gyms and good people to get behind me and donate - I’ve pulled an army together.”

Now Tee-Jay will benefit from the Mr Troiani’s efforts.

The money raised will go towards funding a mobile sensory unit, a whirlpool and a pushchair for the youngster.