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Pals play for money to fund a dreamtrip

A 12-HOUR snooker marathon has helped ensure a 24-year-old Teesside man will see his dream of competing in the World Transplant Games come true.

Jamie Woodhouse, of Pallister Park, was just 15 when doctors found he had a hole in his heart and pulmonary hypertension - a life-threatening lung disease.

He was told his only chance of survival was a heart and double lung transplant.

Three years later suitable donor organs were found and following the success of his op, Jamie has gone on to represent Teesside in the British and the European Transplant Games.

The young tennis star has now been selected to compete in the world games in Australia in August but he needs to raise £3,000 to fund the trip.

Brother Chris kickstarted the fundraising by holding a sponsored snooker marathon at North Ormesby Working Men’s Club with his friend Kevin Whitehead.

Twelve hours and 37 games later the duo had pocketed around £900.

Chris, 37, an industrial cleaner, said: “Jamie needs the money for his hotel and flight and everything.

“When he was on the transplant list his dream was to stay alive now it is to compete in the world games.

“Before he could hardly breathe, he struggled to get up the stairs and we had oxygen around the house to help him breathe. His fitness now is phenomenal.”

Chris has also organised a charity night at the club on March 18 with entertainment from local singers, bingo, a raffle and blind cards. Tickets are available from the club for £1.50.

Jamie said Chris and his dad John, 59, had always been there for him.

“Chris has been brilliant. He’s really supportive.

“Him and dad have always been there for me, staying with me in hospital and looking after me all my life.”

Chris added: “We would just like to thank Pat Summers, Micky Stevo and Wayne Irwin and all the pubs and clubs who have allowed people to go in with sponsorship forms and everyone who has made a donation.”

To make a donation contact Jamie on transplant_whizz@hotmail.co.uk