'Driven mad' Rubik's nut weeps on solving cube... after 26 years of trying

'Driven mad' Rubik's nut weeps on solving cube... after 26 years of trying

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 8:51 AM on 12th January 2009

Puzzle fan Graham Parker breathed a sigh of relief as he finally solved his Rubik’s Cube – after 26 years.

The father-of-one, 45, has been trying to solve the riddle of the cube since buying one in 1983, enduring wrist problems, backache and sleepless nights.

The builder, of Portchester, Hampshire, said: ‘It has driven me mad over the years - it felt like it had taken over my life.


It strained his marriage and his wrist, but Graham Parker says it was 'all worth it' to finally solve the Rubik's Cube after 26 years

'I have missed important events to stay in and solve it and I would lay awake at night thinking about it.

'Friends have offered to solve it for me and I know that you can find solutions on the web but I just had to do it myself.'

Graham finally managed to conquer his personal Everest after more than 27,400 hours of tireless pursuit, and says it was 'all worth it'.

'When I clicked that last bit into place and each face was a solid colour I wept. I cannot tell you what a relief it was to finally solve it.'

Long-suffering wife Jean, 47, said the cube has frequently put a strain on their marriage, causing blazing rows between the pair.

Jean even admits at times it has felt three has been three people in their marriage for the past 26 years.

'When I met Graham he was already obsessed with the cube - spending hours on it every day,' she said.

'I have often thought about getting rid of it but I knew he would not rest until he had solved it, which thankfully he has done.'

Donald's success has reached the governing body for Rubik's Cube competitions, the World Cube Association (WCA).

Ray Hodgkin of the WCA said: 'I think this is definitely the longest it has ever taken someone to complete a Cube.

'I am impressed by Donald's dedication - the Rubik's Cube can be a very frustrating thing. The WCA would like to congratulate him on his achievement.'

The Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor Erno Rubik but was originally called the Magic Cube.

More than 300 million have been sold worldwide and there are an astonishing 43 quintillion different possible configurations and only one solution.

Support group 'Cubaholics' was set up in 1980 to help addicts kick the habit and Rubik's cubes are so compulsive they have given rise to two medical conditions - Cubist's Thumb and Rubik's Wrist.

Erik Akkersdijk of the Netherlands holds the record for a single solve with a time of 7.08 seconds.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1112396/Driven-mad-Rubiks-nut-weeps-solving-cube--26-years-trying.html