A Salford builder, Tobey Newall, 25, is gearing up to challenge a Guinness World Record by balancing an exceptionally tall object on his chin. Newall, who has gained a significant online following under the moniker 'Chin-A-Rooney', is known for his unusual ability to stabilise large and heavy items, ranging from garden sheds and bicycles to scaffolding boards and 46kg worktops, on his chin.
Newall's unique talent emerged six years ago after a visit to a DIY store with his brother. He impulsively tried to balance a plank of timber on his chin, a moment he describes as the accidental discovery of his skill. Since then, he has honed his craft, captivating an audience of approximately 350,000 followers across social media platforms, with his videos accumulating millions of views.
The current Guinness World Record for the tallest object balanced on a chin stands at 71ft (21m), set in 2018 by US-based juggler Cardon Firth. Newall has previously made three attempts to break this record, encountering difficulties with the materials he used. However, he is now more optimistic about his chances, as a custom-made 100ft (30m) fibreglass pole is currently in production specifically for his next record attempt.
Assisting Newall in his ambitious endeavours is his friend, Travis Mooney, from Wythenshawe. Mooney not only helps to position and balance the diverse array of objects but also films Newall's feats for his popular social media channels. Mooney recounts tense moments, such as balancing a garden shed in a busy DIY store, and describes the entire experience as 'mental', noting that many viewers initially suspect the videos are generated by artificial intelligence due to their unbelievable nature.
The growing popularity of Newall's content has opened up unexpected opportunities. Mooney, who typically works in IT, revealed that they are now being approached by various brands and content creators they have admired for years, highlighting the surreal nature of their journey. Both Newall and Mooney express determination for the upcoming record attempt, with Newall stating, 'Hopefully we can smash it out the park. If we don't, we try again,' and Mooney adding, 'I'd be really proud of Tobey.'