A former Oldham Athletic director has helped raise more than £25,000 for mental health charity Six Connections after playing a leading role in organising and delivering an ambitious 24-hour padel challenge.
Simon Brooke, who previously served on the board at Oldham Athletic and Oldham Event Centre, was part of the core organising team behind the inaugural 24 Hour Padel People event at Pendle Padel Club.
The challenge saw twelve players remain on court continuously for 24 hours, taking on dozens of different opponents while hundreds of supporters, businesses and volunteers came together throughout the day and night to support the event.
Brooke said: "This was never just about playing padel for 24 hours. We wanted to create an event that brought people together, got people talking and raised vital funds for mental health support. Seeing so many businesses, volunteers and friends give up their time was genuinely inspiring."
"The atmosphere throughout the 24 hours was incredible. There were moments when the physical challenge was tough, particularly in the heat, but the support from everyone who came along kept us going."
The event ultimately raised more than £25,000, with the money helping Six Connections provide mental health awareness and conversation training for charities, schools, sports clubs and community organisations across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Brooke has supported a number of community fundraising initiatives across Greater Manchester and Lancashire in recent years, helping raise tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes, and says it already looks like the inaugural 24-hour challenge will become an annual fixture.
"It proved what can happen when good people come together behind a cause that matters. We set out to create something different and hopefully something that will continue to grow for years to come."
