14th October 2011

CREWKERNE: Family fun dodgeball raises charity funds

By Marion Draper

CREWKERNE mother and marathon hopeful Jessica Skeels was delighted with the response to her charity dodgeball tournament held on Sunday, October 9th and would like to thank everyone who took part.

Mrs Skeels will be running in the London Marathon next April in aid of the British Heart Foundation as a thank you for the charity-funded nurses who helped her husband after his heart operation, and organised the family fun event at the old sports hall at Wadham School as part of her fundraising drive.

She said: “Seven teams took part in the round robin tournament and great fun was had by all.”

The outright winners were “Team Tornadoes” from Bridport who annihilated all opposition but all teams put in a brilliant effort whatever age, size or fitness. Little Nippers also won a spot prize for team identity. It is now hoped the tournament may become an annual event.

Mrs Skeels added: “Many thanks to Bob Brunt, and especially Craig Rice for their time and help with refereeing. Over £170 was raised towards my £2,000 fundraising target for the British Heart Foundation.”

Mrs Skeels is determined to train for the big event on April 22nd, overcoming her own health problems, leading to gallbladder surgery at the end of this month.

She has an online sponsor page www.justgiving.com/jessicaskeels and will be organising more fun events in the lead up to the marathon including an auction of promises and a bingo night.

PICTURE 1: THE WINNERS - Organiser Jessica Skeels and the winning team “Tornadoes”

PICTURE 2: DODGEBALL team “Bazley’s Boys”

PICTURE 3: BEST dressed team Little Nippers

PICTURE 4: DODGEBALL team “The In-Ciders”

PICTURE 5: AGAINST THE ODDS “The Five Ds” enthusiasm saw them through