We will give our heroes a big break (From Swindon Advertiser)

We will give our heroes a big break

8:00pm Friday 20th November 2009 in

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A GROUP of friends from Swindon are hoping to give a military charity a big break by playing pool continuously for 24 hours.

The team of six started their gruelling challenge to raise cash for Help for Heroes yesterday afternoon and will be shooting pool until 3pm today.

Organiser Neil Brooking came up with the idea after chatting with his best friend who works at RAF Lyneham taking injured soldiers to hospital.

He said: “We love playing pool but this is going to be a very tough 24-hours because there are only six of us so I don’t think there will be a chance for any sleep.

“The charity does the most amazing work so we are thrilled to support it as well as raising money for Children In Need.

“After talking to my friend about what he sees day in day out we decided we had to do something to help.

“It only started to dawn on us the day before what it is we had agreed to do – no matter how much you love the sport it can get very repetitive.

“We have had great support from the 147 pool club as well as local business – McDonald’s are supplying our breakfast and Pizza Hut are giving us tea.

“We have friends coming up from midnight to keep us company during the wee hours.

“Anyone who wants to come along and support us is more than welcome because I think as the early hours draw on we are going to need a group of people there rallying us on.”

Mr Brooking, who belongs to the Haydon Wick pool team, said they will probably be playing some doubles and some single games in a bid to keep them going.

The team of six, including one 15-year-old player who has already raised £200, are hoping to present both charities with cheques next week.

A spokesman for Help for Heroes said: “As individuals we are powerless to prevent war and we feel helpless that we are unable to stop our men and women from being killed and wounded.

“By joining together as Help for Heroes, we are doing something practical to help .

“There are so many events going on nationwide but this one sounds like a lot of fun but is definitely going to be a challenge. We are so grateful for any help we get.”

To sponsor the group log onto www.bmycharity.com/147poolchallenge.