Telstars Captain, Dennis O'Neill arranged for 31 men, aged 14 to 76, to play a game against their long-term rivals, Weston Sports.
The event was held in memory of Mr O'Neill's mother, who died of a brain tumour six years ago. The initial plan was to just walk up Snowdon. Then the idea of a high-altitude skittles match struck him.
The match, held at the 3,560 feet summit of Mount Snowdon, set a new British altitude record. The Telstars took on Weston Sports in the restaurant on top of the peak. Each player was sponsored to hike up the mountain, carrying all of the equipment needed for the match, and the Telstars emerged victorious.
They have been bowled over by the backing they've received for their madcap mission, finally managing to raise £7,000.31 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This money will enable the charity to provide 467 hours of nursing.
Dennis O'Neill said: "Telstars won a very close match. We are pleased to set a new British skittles altitude record, and raised a lot of money for a very good cause.
"It was very cold, about five degrees at the top; we played the match in the mountain top restaurant, creating quite a stir. The restaurant was packed with people watching us, including a Marie Curie nurse who gave us a donation, asked if she could meet the teams and thanked us for everything we were doing.
"It is truly exceptional we couldn't have dreamed of getting close to 7,000. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us through this, and to all the sponsors, people who donated and those who took part.
Now, nothing can stop the adventurous Telstars! They are looking forward to a new challenge – to break the record for the lowest ever skittles match – and are looking for a suitable cave or mine deep below the ground! Any suggestions?
A HUGE thank you to the Portishead Telstars and Weston Sports for their fantastic efforts on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
- Pictured: Portishead Telstars (photo credit Jeremy Long, e-mail: jer@jclphoto.f2s.com)
