Fundraisers bowled over by support for charity challenge

Staff at Tenpin Bowling in Dudley decided to take on the 24-hour challenge after hearing of the plight of seven-year-old James Downing from Rowley Regis.

The toddler suffers from cerebral palsy and his dream in life is to have life-changing treatment, which is what the seven members of staff from the bowling alley were raising money towards.

The team started at 9am on Monday and finished, with their arms aching, at 9am on Tuesday.

Eighteen-year-old Liam Bolton, who was one of those taking part in the challenge, said: "It is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. If it were not for the team doing it with me it would have been a lot worse.

"Until 2am it was fine sound, we were all raving and having a great time, but after that we were dead.

"Agony does not even described it, for the past two days I have done nothing but sleep. It feels like my arms have been ripped off like what happened to Woody in Toy Story.

"Bowling is something I just do for a hobby. Doing this has made me realise I could not do it professionally for a living."

Asked about little James, who needs £50,000 for his treatment, Mr Bolton added: "The only thing that kept us going was all the money we were raising for him and the good it was going to do.

"I have never met him but we were touched by his story and wanted to make his dream a reality.

"The fundraising has passed £1,300 but it would be good to get it past £1,500."

So far various fundraisers have brought the fundraising for James to just shy of £48,000.

Those wanting to donate to his cause can visit the JustGiving page.