Taking place in October in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Paul Price, co-organiser of the challenge, and the team are undertaking this event after successfully completing it three years ago for Bowel Cancer UK following Paul’s sister’s diagnosis.
Paul commented on the event:
The last challenge was such a success. We raised an amazing £5,000 and we want to emulate this success for a charity close to our local community’s heart. Most people we speak to have had some connection to Myton in one way or another, so we thought there was no better charity to support this time around.
Paul’s connection to Myton runs deep. In October 2012, aged just 59, Paul’s aunt, Isobel, was cared for at our Warwick Myton Hospice.
Paul added:
I visited her when she was at Myton and the feeling of safety, comfort and happiness was overwhelming. It wasn’t a good reason for her to be at Myton, but they made my aunt as comfortable as possible. When I shared this story with my team mates, they all had some sort of connection, which just shows the importance the charity has to so many.
The team are fundraising through raffles, auctions, competitions and sweepstakes, and are live-streaming the entire 24 hours to raise vital funds for The Myton Hospices. Paul noted the most challenging part:
Staying awake for 24 hours will definitely be the hardest part. Other team members will be able to have power naps when they’re not playing. I’ll be commentating as well as playing so will have to keep my eyes open the whole time! The early hours will be the hardest, but having people watch during the day will give us an adrenaline boost. I’m really looking forward to completing the challenge and donating a, hopefully, big cheque, which will make it all worth it!
Josh Boyce, one of Paul’s teammates, said:
Throughout the years, I’ve always heard the amazing work The Myton Hospices has done and support with donations. Back in 2019 I saw it first hand with my wife’s mother. I was overwhelmed with the level of support for patients and their families. It’s such an incredible charity which is why we have decided to help raise some funds with the rising costs of everything, with the charity needing £11 million this year to keep all the services going. It’s always reassuring to know if anyone needs support from The Myton Hospices they would always be there.
Sam Cleaver from Paul’s opposing team commented:
I’m doing this as it’s a great cause and a lot of close family friends have received Myton’s care and they do a brilliant job. We hope to raise as much as we can for this fantastic cause!
Ben Brown, also from the opposing team, said:
I’m participating in this amazing 24 hour pool marathon fundraiser to help the best hospice around gain as many funds and gifts we possibly can to help an amazing cause. They do their absolute all in caring for people and helping families massively throughout the process. We need to come together and get Myton the much-needed funds they fully deserve to keep providing the best environment for patients. So please spare as much as you can possibly afford to help us help them! Thank you.
Last, but by no means least, Ryan Gardner from the opposing team, commented:
I think what The Myton Hospices do is quite incredible and anything I can do to help this organisation to continue and keep growing is well worth it!
We are so grateful for all the support Paul and the team are giving to Myton. This year, we need to raise £11 million of the £14.3 million it costs to continue providing our services free of charge to people and their families across Coventry and Warwickshire.
We couldn’t do this without the incredible support of Paul and the team, thank you so much!
Follow their Facebook Event for all of the latest news, raffles and live streaming links on the big day by clicking here.