Dedicated fundraiser sunk 6,000 balls in 21 hours
A pool hotshot racked up more than £5,000 for a much-loved hospice.
Phil Steven, 52, took on the gruelling challenge of potting 6,000 balls in less than 24 hours to raise much-needed cash for St Vincent’s Hospice.
The Howwood man says the final total was even higher than he thought and he was delighted to have cleared up for the charity.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’m really happy to have raised this much.
“The original total was £4,600, but I got a note through saying the final amount was £5,186, so I can’t thank people who donated enough.”
Phil, who works for Arnold Clark, is no stranger to pocketing cash for the hospice. Last year, he raised £2,500 by potting 5,000 balls at the Midton Bowling Club, Howwood.
He explained: “It certainly wasn’t as painful this time as last year.
“I knew what was coming this time round. The last few hours were pretty tough going, but I had plenty of people keeping me going.
“Last time I needed back rubs and things, but this time I just got on with it.
“We started at midnight and finished up at about 8.50pm the next night, so I was going for just about 21 hours.
“Everyone else was going for a few beers, but I went straight home.”
And St Vincent’s Hospice was kind enough to organise a free massage for Phil after the event.
He said: “It was quite strange — a big mechanic guy like me getting a soothing massage, with whale music playing and stuff, but I really enjoyed it. It certainly helped with my back.”
He is already lining up another quirky challenge later in the year.
He explained: “We are planning to walk between Musselburgh and Largs in the summer dressed as Vikings. We aim to end up at the Viking chip shop. Hopefully, they will stand us a free fish supper.”
A hospice spokesman said: “We cannot thank Phil enough for this amazing effort and all he has done for our services.”
If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event in aid of the hospice, call the fundraising team on 01505 705635 or email info@svh.co.uk.
St Vincent’s Hospice is a charitable organisation based in Howwood offering specialised care and services to those affected by life-limiting illness.