As part of London’s official St Patrick’s Day celebrations staged on Sunday, March 16, the Proud2bPat campaign saw Irwin’s team up with chef Paul Rankin in asking ‘genuine’ and ‘honorary’ Pats alike to stand up and be counted in a unique fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Part of the campaign saw ‘honorary’ Patricks change their name for the day via an official campaign facility provided by the UK Deed Poll Service, which allowed them to be formally counted in the record attempt. Those who did so were sponsored, of course.

CELEBRITIES

Among a number of celebrities who changed their name in support of the campaign, were Irwin’s partner, ‘Paddy’ (Paul) Rankin and snooker legend Patrick (Dennis) Taylor.

Irwin’s Bakery led the campaign after discovering that the name Patrick is just one generation away from extinction. They called for people to support Sunday’s ‘Tourism Ireland Festival’ in Trafalgar Square.

Irish bookies Paddy Power also supported the campaign by offering a £1,000 charity bet at odds of 2/1 on the record being broken - with all winnings again going to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

And the former record - 1,096 Mohammeds - was broken with more than 1,100 Paddies assembling on Sunday.

“With all Patricks ­ real as well as temporary - showing solidarity with a super turn out, we have set an amazing record which puts the name Patrick firmly on the map. In the process we have raised all-important funds to support the vital and inspiring work being carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital,” said Irwin’s chairman, Brian Irwin.

Paddy (Paul) Rankin, of Rankin Selection Irish breads which headed up the ‘Proud2BPat’ campaign, said, “Everybody on the Rankin Selection ‘Proud2bPat' team is absolutely thrilled to have broken the record for gathering the biggest number of people of the same name in the same place.

“The craic at Trafalgar Square was amazing, with over 1,100 Paddies and Patricias taking part in the record attempt and letting everyone know how proud they are of their name.

“It was amazing to see hundreds of honorary Paddies, too - people who, like me and the Rankin Selection team, actually changed their name by deed poll so that we could be counted in the record.

“That’s how badly we wanted the record. That’s how seriously we wanted to raise money for the Great Ormod Street Hospital.

“We want to say a massive congratulations and thanks to everyone who took part and helped us.”