Somerset board game marathon in aid of children’s cancer charity

Board game enthusiasts in Somerset are taking part in a 24-hour marathon to raise money for charity.

The event is being hosted by Bridgwater Geek and Gaming at The Activity Warehouse – and people can take part in eight-hour slots.

“People get really passionate about these different games, be it board games, role-playing or card games, so it’s an opportunity for us to have a huge amount of fun at the same time as raising that money,” said organiser Rikh Hart.

The £8 admission fee will go towards the James Anthony Foundation – a charity supporting the families of children living with brain or spinal tumours.

The eight-hour time slots start at 09:00 GMT on Saturday and a variety of tabletop and role-playing games will be available.

“People can dip in and out by booking into a few different time slots and if they need to go off and get some food, or even a little bit of sleep, they are very welcome,” Mr Hart told BBC Somerset.

Gamer Stuart Perrin said he was hoping to complete the full marathon.

He said: “Some people are turning up to do the eight hours, but I’m going for the whole 24, probably chugging quite a few energy drinks and trying to keep myself awake.

“I find board gaming can be very therapeutic and it helps with a lot of people’s mental health.

“It’s very good to have that time to just detach completely from our very electronic world that we live in.”

The event was to support the Charity Gaming Guild and any money raised will be donated to the James Anthony Foundation.

Founders Carl and Chantelle Anthony set up the foundation in memory of their son, James, who died in 2022 from brain cancer.

They said: “It is events like this that help us to continue to support families that have a child diagnosed with cancer, and going through the most difficult of times.”