World champion wins all at exhibition match
FOUR students at Huddersfield New College have been honoured for their leadership in sport.
They were presented with ‘Outstanding Contribution to Leadership’ awards at the recent celebration evening for the Pennine School Sports Partnership.
The students presented with the accolades were Reece Purcell, Farris Fenton, Ethan Cooper and Sam Castle.
All four have just successfully completed VIP players chalked their cues in memory of a top snooker star – and raised thousands for charity.
Lindley Liberal Club was the setting for the special sell-out Snooker Exhibition in memory of top UK player and three-time Masters champion Paul Hunter.
It was held to celebrate Paul’s life and mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
The unforgettable evening of snooker involved performances from local enthusiast and event organiser Robert Read and 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy.
Leeds-born Paul was cared for at Kirkwood Hospice before his death from a life-limiting illness aged just 27.
His parents and close family members were guests of honour for the memorable occasion, which raised more than £3,000 for the Hospice.
Murphy, who is known in snooker circles as ‘The Magician’ drove from Nottingham for the match and waived his fee in support of the event.
He ultimately ended the day their Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at the college.
They will form part of the inaugural cohort on the College’s new Level 5 two year Foundation Degree in Sport, offered in association with the University of Central Lancashire.
On the night the students had the honour of meeting Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield, who was the guest speaker for the evening.
As the all-time record points scorer for Leeds Rhinos, the former England captain is one of victorious, winning by six frames to three.
Organised by Lindley Liberal Club and Mr Read, the evening was packed to capacity with local snooker buffs and Kirkwood supporters.
To ensure the event raised as much money as possible, unique fundraisers were also organised, including special limited-edition tickets and a grand auction.
Mr Read said: “For a living I fit snooker, billiard and pool tables for clubs and professionals and I do Shaun’s table quite regularly.
“Shaun and I were both friends of Paul’s and we wanted to do something together, marking the 10 year anniversary.
“It was nice to know that the celebration was embraced by so many people who also have Kirkwood at heart.”
“I’d like to say thank you to all the people who donated money on the night and to Lindley Liberal Club, who even donated £200 themselves - we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Kirkwood Hospice community fundraiser Nicola Barber thanked all of the organisers for their amazing efforts. the most successful players in Super League history .
The Head of Sport at the College, Wayne Russell, and the Course Leader for the Level 5 Foundation Degree course, Jo Caton, represented the College on the evening and were filled with pride as their students went up to receive their awards.
Jo summed up the evening, saying: “It was a lovely evening for our students, their parents and for us. We are so proud of them!”
She said: “It was wonderful to be a part of this event organised in memory of Paul .
“Without the support of people in