KGH children's ward given cash boost thanks to Kyren's centuries

The children’s ward at Kettering General Hospital is £2,000 better off thanks to the efforts of local snooker star Kyren Wilson at the recent Betfred World Championships and the generosity of one of his sponsors.

Wilson, who is ranked number six in the world, reached the semi-finals at the Crucible for the third time in the last four years before losing 17-12 to former Irthlingborough man Shaun Murphy.

Despite not getting his hands on a first world title, the 29-year-old did do his bit for charity after an idea from his sponsors Chris George The Estate Agents.

The company, who are based in the Horsemarket in Kettering but also have branches in Rothwell, Thrapston and Corby, agreed to donate £100 to the Skylark Ward at KGH for every century break Wilson made during the tournament.

Wilson, who was born and raised in Kettering and still lives in the town, agreed to match that donation and he went on to make 10 century breaks during his run to the semi-finals, which means £2,000 will now be handed over.

The snooker ace said: “My children have been helped no end by the Skylark Ward.

“Chris said to me he would do £100 for charity for each century break and I said I would match that.

“He asked me what charities would benefit and knowing how much they have helped my children and how important it is to the people of Kettering, I think that ward is fantastic.

“I’d planned an exhibition to raise money for them before but then Covid hit so we couldn’t do it.

“Chris George is awesome for doing it because it’s an awful lot of money and for it to go to a good cause like Skylark is amazing.

“I am just glad I didn’t flop and not make any centuries!”

Chris George, the company’s director, said: “We always try to do a bit locally, we always have and we are fortunate that we are in a position to be able to help out.

“I like Kyren, he has a nice family, they are good local people and he asked whether we wanted to sponsor him and we have had a reasonably good year so we were delighted to do so.

“I mentioned the idea to his brother Taylor and Kyren said he would match it so it’s great.

“It’s nice to help. It’s important for local businesses to help out where they can.”