Squash player in 12-hour charity challenge for Mind
AN AVID squash player took on 36 opponents in 12 hours to raise money for Guernsey Mind.
Janick Radford, 25, first picked up a racket when he was four years old, but on Sunday he hung onto it from 7.40am until 7.40pm.
Every 20 minutes, for 20 minutes at a time, he took on another opponent in either squash or racketball.
Guest players had to make a minimum donation of £10 to the chosen charity to get on the court and so far Mr Radford has raised more than £5,500.
‘I was just sat at home one day and wanted to do something that was not only challenging but was for a good cause,’ he said.
‘I’ve been passionate about squash for a long time so thought it would be a good idea to work that element into the fundraiser.’
Playing a high intensity sport for an entire day was no mean feat and he was left with blisters on his hands and feet.
‘I felt all right until about 5pm,’ he said.
‘After that my legs felt a bit wobbly and I really had to work hard to keep focused.’
Although squash and racketball can be played on the same court, the games are quite different – and Mr Radford had to adapt to the skills and methods of each of his competitors.
‘Each game was really good, all but two were squash or racketball players as well – but I really wanted to win every one,’ he said.
‘I think I lost five in total, and those were nearer the end when I was really starting to feel it.’
Lots of people struggle with mental health issues and Mr Radford admires the work Guernsey Mind does to help them, so he was pleased to support them while doing something he loves.
n The donation page is still open. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/janicksquashmarathon.
