Pool players smash target in marathon session underneath town’s clock tower

From left, Robert Scammell, Callum Tartt, town mayor Barry Hester, Phil McCormick and Shelby Evans around the pool table underneath North Walsham's clock tower. Picture: RICHARD BATSON (Image: Archant)

The foursome lined up shot after shot on a pool table set up underneath North Walsham's clock tower throughout Saturday afternoon and through the night, reaching the target at 9.12am on Sunday morning.

Community members were constantly on hand giving encouragement and potting a few balls themselves in the challenge, which saw more than £1,000 raised for the League of Friends of the North Walsham Cottage Hospital, and 20-year-old Sophie Kennedy, from Stalham, who has a kidney disorder.

Later on Sunday morning one of the bleary-eyed players, Phil McCormick, said the challenge had been difficult, but they were thrilled to have hit their target with time to spare.

Mr McCormick, from Bacton, said: 'It got really cold but we didn't give up. That's how it goes - you start off a challenge and you carry on. I'm really pleased we did it.'

Sophie Kennedy with her family. Brother Harvey, 16, Madison, 11 and Lailey 6, as well as her parents Justin and Diane. (Picture: Sophie Kennedy) (Image: Sophie Kennedy)

The other players were Robert Scammell, Shelby Evans and Callum Tartt, all from North Walsham.

Mr Scammell said: 'We thought we would do it in 24 hours and we did it in 17, so it has worked out really well.

'In the early morning we had a lot of people coming out of the clubs, which was a challenge, but everybody got involved.

'Some went the distance - there was about six to eight that were with us all night.'

Callum Tartt lines up a shot at the Clock Tower in North Walsham, as part of the 5000 balls in 24 hours fundraiser. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Barry Hester, North Walsham's mayor, broke the first frame at 4pm on Saturday to get the challenge underway.

Afterwards, he said: 'It has been a good event and they've done well. Everyone who joined in seemed to enjoy it.'

Peter Edge, landlord of The Swan pub in nearby Church Street, lent the group the pool table for the challenge.

Some of the money raised through the challenge will go towards a fundraiser called Sophie's Big Trip, which as been set up so Miss Kennedy and her family, from Stalham, can visit Disney World.

Callum Tartt lines up a shot at the Clock Tower in North Walsham, as part of the 5000 balls in 24 hours fundraiser. Also taking part are Shelby Evans, Phil McCormick and Robert Scammell. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Sophie has had kidney problems her whole life, needs dialysis three times a week and is currently awaiting a transplant.

Donations to the cause can still be made at www.gofundme.com, search for '5000 balls in 24 hours'.

Shelby Evans lines up a shot at the Clock Tower in North Walsham, as part of the 5000 balls in 24 hours fundraiser. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)