A POOL player aims to pocket one last pot of cash for a Renfrewshire hospice this weekend by sinking 8,000 balls in a marathon 36-hour stint.

Phil Steven has previously taken on three pool ball challenges for St Vincent’s Hospice – the last of which was a real test of his endurance as he potted 7,000 balls in 24 hours.

The Howwood man has already raised over £7,000 for his final challenge, taking the total amount he has coined in for the hospice to more than £20,000.

Phil, 55, said: “It was a big disappointment in December when I wasn’t able to do my final challenge due to Covid restrictions.

“However, I’m just delighted we’ve gone over the £20,000 mark, as I’d never have envisioned from the start that we would reach that amount.”

“I’m quite nervous about this last challenge, as this is the big one. I’ve been doing a bit of training and yoga to help ease my back, so it’s feeling okay just now.”

Dad-of-two Phil’s final challenge, which will involve playing a staggering 534 frames non-stop, takes place at Midton Bowling Club, in Howwood, starting at noon on Friday.

After taking a break in 2019, he was inspired to pick up a cue again following the death of Tommy Nelson, who was the dad of his younger son’s friend and spent his final days at St Vincent’s.

Phil said: “I would encourage anyone who wants to support the hospice to go out and fundraise. I don’t consider myself a sportsman but I’m quite good at pool, so anyone can play to their strengths to help the hospice out.

“I would like to thank Midton Bowling Club for supplying all the facilities for these challenges, as well as Andy Currie and Michael Quinn, who helped organise them with me right from the start.”

Louise Strachan, senior fundraising at St Vincent’s Hospice, said staff were “overwhelmed” by Phil’s fundraising achievements.

“The kindness and generosity shown by his family, friends and supporters has been truly amazing,” she added.

“We are very grateful to Phil for his hard work, dedication and endurance. Good luck Phil from all at St Vincent’s Hospice.”

To boost his fundraising total, donate online at bit.ly/3cR8ogh.