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Newsflash - Paul's Pot-A-Thon
Two Sheffield snooker fans are embarking on a gruelling journey into the record books by playing more than 48 hours of constant snooker for the Paul Hunter Foundation and Cancer Research.
Mark Morton, 32 and twenty-five-year-old James Travis broke off the opening frame of their much-supported charity pot-a-thon at 2pm on Wednesday (25th).
They hope to play for 48 hours and 25 minutes, beating their 2006 efforts which lasted exactly 48 hours. The pair expect to rack-up 110 frames in this time, five more than last year. They can take separate time-out if needed - as long as those balls keep going in.
Lyndsey Hunter was in Cuezone to oversee the epic event and give support to the tired lads. BBC’s Hazel Irvine popped by for a chat yesterday as Mark and James approached the 24-hour-mark. The crowd watched on as they opened up the balls in their 52nd frame with Mark enjoying a very slim lead at 26-25.
James said he was feeling alright at that time but admitted his form would probably decline dramatically later. Mark told onlookers he had trudged his way through a variety of foot wear, including trainers, sandals, slippers and nothing at all.
One of James’ work colleagues said: “He really wants to achieve this. He is a big fan of Paul Hunter and snooker in general.”
Lyndsey overlooked the daytime frames while chatting to fans and signing autographs.
“These two are absolutely fantastic,” she said. “All of us here have lost someone to cancer and we are all doing our bit.”
Following Paul’s death in October 2006, Lyndsey helped set up the Paul Hunter Foundation which is aimed at helping under-privileged and disabled children enjoy snooker.
She has been involved with many fund raising projects so far.
“I’m doing a half marathon and the Great North Run this year – but you’d never see me playing 48 hours of snooker!” She joked.
Lyndsey admits it’s exhausting completing all these runs for charity but she still forces herself to do it. “After what Paul went through, it’s the least I can do. Its very strange being here now - when I think that this time last year he was here too,” she said.
Their daughter Evie Rose will be two in December. Her mum said she is becoming more like Paul every day. “You should see the way she drinks from a carton of milk – she holds it with one hand, just like her dad!”
Paul Hunter will also be honoured with a prestigious amateur tournament named in his memory. The Amateur English Open will be re-named after the three-time Masters Champion whose career soared after he won the northern section of the 1995 English Amateur Championship. The tournament will take place in his home city of Leeds from August 14-21.
Stick with Cuefactor for an update on the record breaking attempt. If you’re in Sheffield, stop by Cuezone to support Lyndsey and the potty potters.
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