A 12-HOUR bowlathon has raised more than £2,350.00 for Cornwall’s much-loved children’s hospice.

Two club mates from Mawnan Bowling Club took on the challenge of playing lawn bowls constantly over 12 hours beginning at 8am and ending at 8pm on the club’s greens at Carwinion Road - and fundraisers were left bowled over by the support it received from local businesses.

Little Harbour in St. Austell is Cornwall’s only children’s hospice and says Area fundraiser Amanda Masters: "It is there for children and their families who need it at their most challenging times.

"It cost more than £3 million to run Little Harbour last year so every penny raised is absolutely vital. Initiatives like the Bowlathon is vital in helping us continue to offer dedicated and compassionate care to children and young people with life-limiting illnesses."

Mawnan Bowling Club Chairman Alf Rodda said: "It’s so important that clubs like ours do our bit for Little Harbour to make sure they can give families who are going through a terrible time all the support that they need. It feels great to be doing our bit to help this amazing charity reach those families.”

The fundraising event involved club members Chris Crouch and Dave Kirk pairing up to take on all-comers in a series of four wood pairs matches starting at 8am and continuing non-stop until 8pm – and kick-started the club’s fun day providing the opportunity for newcomers to the sport to roll up and give bowls a go.

Their fundraising total of £2,356.59 was brought in by business and individual sponsorship as well as a raffle, which boosted the charity coffers by more than £900.00.

"Going to the children’s hospice in St. Austell you do expect there to be a feeling of sadness. But when you walk in, it’s just the most welcoming and warm place where families can begin to forget their worries for a while," adds Chris Crouch.