A REDDITCH man has raised more than £1,000 for a mental health charity which is close to his heart through a 24 hour ‘Snooker-thon’.
Aaron Amess spent Friday (October 28) at the snooker tables at Redditch Snooker Club to raise the funds for Mind – the charity which helps those suffering with mental health issues, ensuring they receive the support they need and respect.
The cause is dear to Aaron as his father was diagnosed as Bipolar and sadly took his life as a result of the disorder.
“I chose to raise money for Mind because it was mental health awareness week not too long ago and it is obviously very close to me,” said Aaron.
“It is one of those charities many don’t always think of. People are always raising money for cancer research but mental health charities do not generally get the same support.”
He added that the event itself was tough: “It was really difficult and by the end of it I was just hitting the ball and not even aiming.
“I think I had about two hours sleep whilst my friend was playing but mostly I played for 22 hours straight.
“It was brilliant but I know I will never do it again.”
He thanks his friends, Jimbo and Dave who helped him to raise a total of 1,100 and he is still expecting more donations to come through.
The managers at Redditch Snooker and Pool Centre, played a big part in the event having contacted Mind and setting up the Just Giving page along with a raffle which helped bring in even more donations.
A club spokesman said: “Aaron really did so well and he was exhausted afterwards.
“I know he really wanted to get to £500 so do reach over £1,000 is just amazing.”
To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Arron-Amess