Phil will cue up for final pool quest

Challenge in aid of hospice

A pool shark who has already raised thousands of pounds for a hospice in gruelling ball potting challenges is hoping to sign off with his biggest effort yet.

Determined Phil Steven, 55, will attempt to sink a whopping 8,000 balls in just 36 hours in aid of the muchloved St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood .

He is no stranger to the Herculean effort required, having already undertaken similar back- breaking efforts.

In 2016 he potted 5,000 balls in under 24 hours, in 2017 he added an extra 1,000 for good measure and in 2018 he sunk a ridiculous 7,000 balls in less than a day.

After a year away from the table, Arnold Clark employee Phil aims to go out on a high by reaching the 8,000 over 36 hours and smashing through the £15,000 overall fundraising mark.

He said: “After a break last year, I’ll be attempting the final Poolball Challenge which, as always, will be in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice.

“I will be attempting to pot a back-breaking 8,000 pool balls over 36 hours at Midton Bowling Club, Howwood starting at noon on Friday, December 11 and aiming to finish before midnight on Saturday, December 12.

“Covid- 19 has hit 2020 hard, with many charities missing out on many fundraising opportunities. So now, more than ever, St Vincent’s Hospice needs our help.”

He added: “If I can raise £ 2,131.93 then, over the four years of the Poolball Challenge, I’ll have raised £15,000 and that is all down to your generosity.

“Sadly, last year my son’s friend Sean’s father Tommy spent his final days in the hospice.

“Sean’s family said the care he received there was exceptional, so this has made me even more determined to bring the old pool cue out one last time to do what I can to help St Vincent’s.

“I’m afraid as we all get older we hear of more people we know going into the hospice and that is heartbreaking.

“Any amount you could donate to the challenge would greatly help the hospice to support families at what must be the most difficult of times any family has to face.

“I know money is tight folks,especially at this time of year with Christmas coming up, but anything you could donate will bring me closer to the target.

“Once again, Arnold Clark have said when I reach £1,000 of donations,they will match that, so thanks again to them.

“Already, some of my workmates have said they’ll come down and support me at the bowling club over the 36 hours – if you’re out and about, please pop in and give me a bit of support.

“Let’s finish on a high and blow the £15,000 out of the water.”

The hospice team provides specialist palliative care for people throughout Renfrewshire and is open to all who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

To donate, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ TheLastEverPoolBa l l Challenge

Let’s finish on a high and blow £15k out of the water