Hartlepool gamer prepares for charity marathon in memory of his grandad

A keen gamer from Hartlepool is gearing up to take on a 24-hour gaming marathon to raise funds for Macmillan.
Michael Maher prepares for his gaming session.
Picture by Jane ColtmanMichael Maher prepares for his gaming session.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Michael Maher prepares for his gaming session. Picture by Jane Coltman

Michael Maher, 31, has decided to hold an extreme gaming challenge called ‘Game Changers’ this month to raise funds for the charity in memory of his grandad.

The administrator from Johnson Street, plans to hold the session on May 28 at technology shop #Tag in York Road for the first 12 hours from 9am to 9pm, which is open to the public and then he will continue independently for the remaining 12 hours at his home.

The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.
The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.
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He said: “Macmillan started doing the gaming event called ‘Game Changers’ back in 2014 and they have raised over £70,000 from it, so I decided to give it a go and play video games for 24 hours straight.

“It is the first time I have done anything like this on this scale - I think the last time I played games for a long period of time was when I was 11 years old.

“I have an extensive game collection and open to suggestions on which games to play.

“I’m going to try and do it in one session allowing time for drinks, food and toilet breaks which will be timed.

The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.
The event is in memory of grandad Reginald Baylis who died of cancer.
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“I am doing this event off of my own bat in the hope of raising around £300 for the charity in memory of my grandad who died of cancer.”

Michael lost his grandad Reginald Baylis to cancer in 1990 and said the charity is one close to his heart, having taken part in various charity events for Macmillan in the past. 
He added: “My grandfather died of cancer when I was still very young at the time, but naturally it is something the family never forget and shouldn’t forget.

“I think if you know someone who has suffered from cancer it makes it really important to get involved and Macmillan is a great charity.”

Michael, who also enjoys hobbies such photography and film making aside from gaming, has made a YouTube video to promote the event and plans to live-stream the marathon via YouTube on the day.

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He hopes the event may generate interest from members of the public who may like to take part in the first 12 hours of the gaming event.

To get involved visit his Just Giving Page.

For more information on the event nationally or to sponsor Michael visit: http://www.gamechangers.macmillan.org.uk/ , https://www.justgiving.com/michael-maher-gamechangers or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n59fQp9Yn94