Bicester charity sees £3k raised from table tennis marathon

A total of 26 players, aged between eight and nearly 80, took part in the round-the-clock challenge to raise money for The Hummingbird Centre, which supports people affected by cancer.

The event took place at the centre’s headquarters in Launton, near Bicester, starting at 8pm on Friday, April 10, and finishing at 8pm the following evening.

Ian Critchley, one of the organisers from Fritwell Table Tennis Club, said: “What a brilliant event.

“It even got a bit competitive at times, though the scoring went a bit awry in the middle of the night.

“Overall, it was really good fun and there was a lot of laughter from the beginning to end.”

Paul Harris, a trustee of The Hummingbird Centre, said the event brought people together.

He said: “We had many supporters, friends and family pop in and say hello.

“Some had never heard of the centre before, but came along after hearing about the challenge to take part and show their support.”

The Hummingbird Centre has supported thousands of people since it opened in 2014.

It relies entirely on donations and volunteers to provide its services, which include therapy, counselling, and activities for guests.

Donations are still being accepted.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/hbc-ttchallenge.