Steve Davis and Corrie Star to launch Paul Hunter Foundation in Manchester
Six-times World Snooker Champion and Paul Hunter Foundation patron Steve Davis and Coronation Street Star Qasim Akhtar (who since 2014 has played Zeedan in the soap), are launching free snooker in Manchester beginning on Wednesday 11th January 2017 from 4:30pm-7:00pm.
Corrie star Qasim Akhtar
The event will launch activities at the Steven Charles Snooker Centre on Cheetham Hill Road via the Paul Hunter Foundation.
The aim of the Foundation is to give disadvantaged, able bodied and disabled youngsters, aged 8 upwards, an opportunity to play free snooker. The Foundation was set up by Paul and his wife Lindsey before his passing shortly before his 28th birthday in October 2006. Paul had been diagnosed with cancer specifically neuroendocrine tumours in 2005, a rare form of stomach cancer.
The activities will be led by WPBSA World Snooker Coach Simon Berrisford and supported by the Steven Charles Snooker Centre, who the Foundation would like to thank Ramis the owner of the club for allowing the use of their facilities free of charge.
Youngsters will be involved in fun snooker based games and activities, with the opportunity to receive free snooker cues and PHF polo shirts. Away from the snooker table focus will be on educating children in the dangers of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour such as drink, drugs and wider social issues such as bullying and racism.
A spokesman for the Paul Hunter Foundation said “We see this extension of Paul’s Foundation in Manchester, led by Simon Berrisford, as a positive step to get kids off the streets to play free snooker with an opportunity to invite local agencies such as the police, specialist drug and sexual awareness professionals to engage with local youngsters on an informal basis. We are also looking forward to holding local community events as activities develop.”
The launch event takes place during the week leading up to the Masters which is being held at the Alexandra Palace in London from 15-22 January 2017.
Paul Hunter won the Masters three times in 2001, 2002 and 2004 beating Ronnie O’Sullivan from 7-9 down to lift the trophy for the third time.
This year will see the Masters Trophy renamed as the Paul Hunter Trophy in honour of Paul and presented to the 2017 champion by Paul’s father Alan Hunter.
For further information on how to get involved in the event contact Simon Berrisford on 07757931321 or simon@cheshiresnookercoach.co.uk.
Weekly sessions will take place each Wednesday 4.30pm-7.00pm at:
The Steven Charles Snooker Centre
5-11 Cheetham Hill Road
The Green Quarter
Manchester
M4 4FY
For all media enquiries please contact Chris Lovell on 07970679810 or chrislovellworldsnookercoach@googlemail.com
