Derbyshire brothers’ 24-hour table tennis marathon raises cash for food banks

Two Derbyshire brothers played a 24-hour table tennis challenge to raise cash for food banks at the weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sam and Joseph Cooper, of Chinley, started playing at 9am on Saturday and continued through until 9am on Sunday.

“They only stopped for toilet breaks when me, their dad or sister stepped in to keep the ball going,” said proud mum Georgina.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We set up a fundraising page on Just Giving with a target to raise £300 for The Trussell Trust – a charity supporting food banks - as they wanted to do something to help during the current coronavirus situation.

Sam and Joseph Cooper play their marathon game in aid of food banksSam and Joseph Cooper play their marathon game in aid of food banks
Sam and Joseph Cooper play their marathon game in aid of food banks

“By the time they finished playing they had raised £4,055 but this has already gone up to £5,000 as our Facebook posts have been shared so widely!

“They had video messages from their table tennis coach in Derby and from Table Tennis England coaches to spur them on.

“We have been totally overwhelmed with all the support and donations received.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As donations poured in, the total pledged was updated on a whiteboard, along with the number of hours Sam, 15, and Joseph, 12, had left to go.

Speaking afterwards, Georgina said: “They are absolutely exhausted but so grateful for all the support and sponsorship. A huge thank you to everyone, it really means so much.

“The boys are fast asleep now but hopefully will be back on the table before too long!”

Joseph, who attends 1st Chinley Scouts Group, was presented with a Commissioner's Commendation award by the High Peak's District Commissioner Debbie Rushworth, on Tuesday night.