Pool potty fundraisers played for 24-hours non-stop in North Walsham town centre to boost the Friends’ funds.
Before the start. Rob Scammell, Phil McCormick, mayor Barry Hester, Callum Tartt and Shelby Evans. Picture Richard BatsonA four-strong team of friends chalked their cues for a marathon session which saw them sink 5000 balls – and raise £1300 to be split between two good causes.
Half will go to the Friends group, supporting its work providing extras and improvements to help patients, families and staff.
The rest will go to 20-year-old Sophie Kennedy from Stalham, whose family are seeking to give her a dream Disney holiday break from her three times a week dialysis as she awaits a transplant.
The marathon began at 4pm on Saturday (September 29th) and ended a day later.
The players, boosted by guest spots from friends, managed to achieve their 5000-ball target by just after 9am on Sunday morning – leaving them to relax and coast in to the finishing time.
Action took place under the town clock in the Market Place by kind permission of mayor Barry Hester whose official charity in his year of office is the hospital Friends.
Mr Hester cued the event off and was there at the finish to congratulate the players.
Organiser Rob Scammell, from Café Kitale, said: “It was tiring – and we were flagging around 3.30am before it got light – but adrenaline, banter and energy drinks kept us going, along with support from people who dropped by and put money in the bucket.”
For two of the players, Callum and Phil, there was no respite this week – and they were straight back in potting action just a couple of days later with the start of the new league.
Callum Tartt and Shelby Evans in action during the pool marathon. Picture Richard BatsonHospital Friends chairman Keith Jarvis added: “The players did a fantastic job. It must have been tough playing at a high pace all through the night. We are very grateful for the money they have raised for us.”
The Friends rely on public donations to provide a range of extras at the hospital. The latest project is a revamp of the day room which should be complete in early November.