A 27-year-old Adelaide native who goes by the name Moni Lashes has broken the world record for non-stop drumming. Starting at 2pm on Friday, Lashes, real name Monica Majcen, drummed for 24 hours and became the first ever female to achieve the feat.
As Adelaide Now reports, the Lonsdale native drummed from a stage in Rundle Mall before a huge crowd of people gathered to watch her final seconds of drumming after a total of 24 hours without stopping.
Macjen, who drums for local band The Babes, was determined to break the record as part of a bid to help raise money for her dad, Don Dimasi, who was diagnosed with a rare form of Multiple sclerosis three years ago.
“My dad was a drummer (a dam good one too), however since MS has come into our lives it’s forced a severe decline in my dad’s health, meaning not only can he not play drums, but cannot walk and balance unassisted anymore,” Macjen writes on her website.
“Dad has been accepted into a really successful medical treatment facility in Russia, which will halt his MS and allow him to live a healthy and longer life!” Macjen embarked on the record attempt in hopes of raising $50,000 needed for her father’s treatment.
The family has so far raised more than $30,000. “It (the treatment) has one of the highest success rates,” Macjen told Adelaide Now. “It’s pretty much guaranteed to halt the MS and sometimes it reverses it.”
“It (the MS) continually gets worse in a short amount of time – it came out of nowhere,” she added. Macjen’s father joined her on stage as she neared the finish line, hugging his daughter as the large crowd of supporters cheered on.
“I‘m overwhelmed and so proud,” Mr Dimasi said. “I can’t believe she’s done it… she’s given me the best gift.” Those looking to support Moni’s campaign can visit her Facebook page, donate vis her official website, and use the hashtag #MoniLashes on Twitter.
Macjen held up admirably throughout the challenge, though at one point she did begin to feel the strain of having not moved from her drum stool for a single moment since the challenge began.
“I’m exhausted and in pain but I would have never done this if it wasn’t for dad – it’s the only reason I’ve got through this,” she said.
Macjen expressed her gratitude towards supporters in a statement on Facebook, writing, “Well Gang, I did it. 24 hours later, a busted ankle and bruised butt, I became the first female to ever drum NON STOP for 24 hours in the WORLD!”
“I couldnt have done it without all your support!!! If anyone is interested in donating to my dad’s treatment, we are still a little way off of our target, so please dont hesitate to contact me… love ya all!!!”
Well Gang, I did it. 24 hours later, a busted ankle and bruised butt, I became the first female to ever drum NON STOP…
Posted by Moni Lashes on Tuesday, March 24, 2015
