Wednesday 5th June 2019
Two snooker-loving RAF personnel are preparing to break a world record by playing 100 hours of the game, non-stop, to raise money for a national military charity.
Sergeant Chris Bullen and Corporal Joel Pickersgill will attempt to play the longest snooker match ever recorded, at the Royal Air Forces Association’s Gateway Club in Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The two friends, who met at RAF Odiham eight years ago and bonded over a love for the game, will start playing on Wednesday 5 June at 10am and plan to continue until 2pm on Sunday 9 June.
Joel (34) said:
“The current record for the longest snooker singles marathon is more than 85 hours, according to Guinness World Records. We’ll be playing 100 hours because originally we wanted to be part of RAF100 in 2018, however I was posted to the Falklands so we had to put it off for a year.
“All the money we raise will go to the RAF Association, the charity which supports the RAF family. The Association has kindly allowed us to attempt this snooker marathon upstairs at their Gateway Club, and is even providing volunteers to help adjudicate the match.”
Because of Guinness World Record rules, the entire match must be witnessed by observers. The rules also allow Chris and Joel a five minute break every hour, which can be accrued.
Chris (35) said:
“Sleep deprivation is going to be the hardest part of this challenge, but Joel and I are good mates and will keep going by bouncing off each other, plus we’ll have a steady supply of coffee on the go.
“I have colleagues and friends who were helped by the RAF Association, so we wanted to give something back to the charity. The local branch and club has been extremely supportive, and we aim to raise at least £1,000 for them.”
The record for the longest snooker singles marathon stands at 85 hours, 19 minutes and four seconds, and was set in Ennis, Ireland, in 2015.
Bob MacRae, Chairman of the RAF Association Newark and District Branch, said:
“Chris and Joel’s superhuman efforts are hugely appreciated. We’ve made sure they will be supported during their marathon snooker session upstairs at the club with volunteers and refreshments, and wish them all the best.”
Chris and Joel have set up a JustGiving page for their cause, to donate visit
JustGiving.
The RAF Association is inviting volunteers to adjudicate the world record attempt in four hour shifts. For more information, visit the RAF Association website.
See also: Military support organisations
