Going potty for charity at Westbury (From Wiltshire Times)

Going potty for charity at Westbury

9:56am Friday 8th January 2010 in Westbury

A Wiltshire snooker ace is planning to battle mental and physical exhaustion for 24 hours to raise money for a cancer charity that has helped his loved ones.

Ben Harrison, 18, of Hawkeridge will play snooker for 24 hours at his home club Players on the West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury, breaking off at noon today (Friday) to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The former John of Gaunt pupil will be playing against Trowbridge professional Stephen Lee and is also hoping rising snooker star Judd Trump from Bristol will make an appearance.

The teenager said the charity holds a special place in his heart.

He said: “My girlfriend’s mum was affected by cancer as has my nan and my mum’s best friend. There are also a number of friends at Players who have lost family and friends to the disease, so I just wanted to do something to help.

“It’s a brilliant charity and one that has helped a number of people I know, so I hope I can reach my target of £1,000.

“It’s going to be really tough – the longest I’ve played before is 10 hours so I think I’ll need a few energy drinks to keep me going and hopefully my family and friends will help me through.”

The 18-year-old, who has already pocketed £500 towards his target, organised the event himself.

He is currently fourth on the English Association of Snooker & Billiards (EASB) Pro-Ticket Tour and joint 52nd on the Pontin’s International Open Series, but is aiming a lot higher in the years to come.

“Hopefully I’ll turn professional next year and in 10 years’ time I want to be world champion and have a number of major trophies. You’ve got to aim high,” he added.

Last April, the youngster finished runner-up to former professional Michael White in the Lt Col Walter Rowley OBE Junior Star of the Future 16-20 age group at Pontin’s Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre, North Wales.

If you would like to sponsor the teenager, you can fill out a sponsorship form on the day or call him on 07966 079436.