A man is giving back to the charity that supported his father before he died this year with a series of world-record attempts.

William Cannon, 57, lost his dad, David Murray Cannon in March following a long battle with Melanoma and various chronic conditions.

(Image: Maisie and William Cannon from Barrhead, pictured by Robert Perry, Newsquest.) Aged 80 at the time of his passing, David was described by William as a very good man who himself had a knack for flexing his strength through arm-wrestling.

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, William - who lives in Barrhead with his mum, Maisie - said: “My father was a very good man.

“He worked in a file factory so he would grind files, and the materials were distributed to companies.

“He also used to do arm wrestling for fun and sometimes he got money from it.

“Perhaps that is where I got my strength from,” William added with a laugh.

(Image: Image taken by Robert Perry, Newsquest) Towards the end of his father’s life, William and his family decided to employ the help of Debra UK – a national medical research charity and patient support organisation for people living with the rare, extremely painful, genetic skin blistering condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB) also known as ‘butterfly skin’.

The charity sent nurses and doctors to the house to look after David which William believed truly bettered his quality of life.

To give back to the charity, William will be taking part in a series of Strong Man challenges such as The Farmer’s Walk and deadlift at the Inspire Gymnasium in Barrhead over the next few months.

The first of which will be on December 8, when he attempts to break the world record for the sled push by pushing 800 to 1000 kg on an artificial surface.

In order to prepare for the gruelling activities, William has been in the gym every day – and his 85-year-old mum has been right by his side.

William said: “Mum is a great motivator. She is forever saying ‘When you sit down, it is time to get back up again.’”

But this is not the first charity work-out this dynamic duo has done.  

For over 20 years, William has taking part in over 600 world record attempts for charity including a 13.5-hour wall sit to a mind-blowing 1120kg leg press. The money raised from which has gone on to support causes like Debra, the Autism Society, and Chest, Heart & Stroke.

Likewise, Maisie holds four world records for distance running in the over 70 category - which she competed in to raise money for some great causes. 

William and Maisie's world record attempts have raised between £700 and £2000 for charities across the UK. 

(Image: Image taken by Robert Perry, Newsquest) The pair have been going to the gym together for a while now, where they work out for anywhere between two and two and a half hours and start their sessions as early as 6am.

William said: “We go to the gym together seven days a week.

“My mum loves running and the bikes, and she is finding it very comfortable. She is in her comfort zone at the gym.”

Maisie plans to attempt breaking a few running world records when she feels fitter in due course.

The duo has so far raised over £300 in cash for Debra, with an online donation page now set up.

To visit the Just Giving page, click HERE

(Image: Image taken by Robert Perry, Newsquest) Tony Byrne, Debra CEO, said: “We are incredibly grateful to William and Maisie Cannon for their amazing fundraising efforts to support DEBRA.

“We exist to improve the quality of life for people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of incredibly painful skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear with the slightest knock or friction.

“The impact EB has on the lives of people living with it, their families, and carers is huge; it not only has a devastating physical impact, but it also negatively affects mental well-being too.

“However, thanks to the support we receive from people like William and Maisie we can make a real difference to the lives of the thousands of children and adults living with this cruel condition.

“With continued support, we can provide enhanced EB care and support for today and clinically test drug treatments that provide hope for a better tomorrow. We couldn’t do it with you. Thank you.”