Melton bowlers raise thousands for Children In Need with 24-hour fundraiser
A 24-hour ‘Bowlathon’ at Melton & District Indoor Bowls Club has raised thousands of pounds for the national Children In Need charity.
BBC East Midlands Today television presenter, Anne Davies, delivered the first bowl at noon on Thursday (November 13) and players then played non-stop until the same time on Friday.
Four teams of bowlers played triples games against one another, in rotation, with more than 40 bowlers staying for the full period – others dropped in to take part after work or to boost energy levels in the early morning.
At close of play, the club had raised a magnificent £4,573, with more donations still coming in.
Sue Fleckney, from the bowls club, said: “The teams were well-supported throughout the 24 hours, with restaurant and bar staff providing snacks and meals, as well as coming in first thing in the morning to serve breakfast.
"As the final hours approached, the atmosphere was still vibrant, with bowlers buoyant from their achievement.
"This was a wonderful achievement, made possible not only by those taking part, but also by the organisers, club staff, spectators and friends.”
A coffee morning was held before the start of the marathon, with a generous supply of home-made cakes for sale.
Mayor of Melton, Councillor Siggy Atherton, was also there at the launch alongside Anne Davies.
Annie Dunham, from the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA), also attended to offer her encouragement.
The Mayor returned on Friday to help with the presentations, together with Melton & Syston MP, Edward Argar, and Peter Thompson, chief executive at the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA).
Sue added: "Melton & District Indoor Bowls Club would like to thank everyone who took part in, or helped with, the ‘Bowlathon’, as well as everyone who came to offer their support and encouragement and to all those who made donations to an excellent cause, which way beyond our expectations.”
Go to www.justgiving.com/page/nigel-may-1758034004726 to donate to the bowls club’s fundraising effort.
This year’s BBC Children In Need total is almost £50M with more than £10M raised by Radio 2 DJ, Sara Cox, gruelling 135-mile run over five days.