Corby man to hold 24-hour '˜bowlathon' to raise money for Northamptonshire charity Macy's Memory

Graham Carley, 33, plays at Desborough Indoor Bowls Club and has been taking part in international matches between England and Scotland to raise money for charitable causes for the past eight years.

In 2013, after supporting a friend’s charity event, Graham came up with the idea of holding a ‘bowlathon’ at his club to raise extra funds.

Each year the group chooses a children’s charity to benefit from the fundraising efforts and this year Graham has been given the honour, with the ‘bowlathon’ taking place from midday on March 5 to midday the following day.

And he has chosen Macy’s Memory after it supported him following the death of his baby daughter Lacey-Mae.

He said: “They’re a local charity and they’re close to my heart.

“When my daughter died they offered to pay for the gravestone but I said no as we could afford it, but I was really grateful for the offer.

“In previous years we’ve raised just over £2,500 but this year our target is £3,000.

“That can be used to help provide last wishes for children who are terminally ill and help the family after their child’s death.”

This year’s event is based on a top 10 format each hour, and play will be singles, pairs, triples, and fours in each hour.

Graham, who is a football coach at Corby Hellenic, is looking for a party of good-hearted bowlers to visit for an hour or two during the 24 hours, to play against his charity team, for a minimum cost of a £3 donation per hour.

He added: “Playing for 24 hours is quite draining and it’s very tiring when you get to the next morning, but you keep going.

“We like to mix it up a bit and have different ‘hours’, so one hour everyone will play in onesies and the next we’ll all be wearing football kits.

“We’re holding an auction as well and have got a few great prizes lined up, but we’re always looking for more donations.”

If you can assist Graham by joining in or donating prizes, email [email protected].