Matt Champ, a local resident, partner at Boys & Maughan Solicitors and expert pool player, will be playing 8-ball pool non-stop for 24 hours with three friends at Frames Snooker Hall, Northdown Road, from 12pm on 5 February 2022.

Matt explains: “I have personal experience of the outstanding care Kent hospitals provide to children and a few of my friends told me about QEQM Rainbow Ward’s amazing work.

“As a relatively new local resident, I decided that I would try to get some friends from the local pool community to play for 24 hours straight to raise funds for new toys for the ward.

“It’s bewildering and unsettling for anyone going into hospital but especially for children. The money we raise will help maintain a child-friendly environment.”

The poolathon Just Giving page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/framesrainbowtoys

Cash donations can also be given at Frames Snooker Hall, 220 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2RP.

Matt Champ is no stranger to a pool table having previously made local headlines by qualifying for the World Championships in 2016, whilst playing for the Kent A county pool team. He has also recently played on the UK Pool Tour and won numerous local competitions in his native Isle of Sheppey, which has its own impressive pool playing pedigree.

Matt will be joined on 5 February by current Kent A player Sean Kirby, and local pool players Callum Tydeman and Kirk Knight.

Matt adds, “When a child has to spend time in a hospital it is, without question, one of the most stressful times. In addition to their physical pain, the child often experiences a type of frustration from not being in their usual routine and having their own toys to play with. It’s not only the child that suffers in that way, but also the parents who have to watch their child’s unhappiness extend further than it otherwise would.

“Any help we can give our local hospital’s children’s ward would be amazing and we hope local people will drop by on 5 February to give their support.”