A BASINGSTOKE teenager is raising money for a cancer support charity by playing snooker for more than 12 hours straight.

Mason Wilson, 18, is taking part in the unique challenge to raise money for Marie Curie, which provides care and support to people living with a terminal illness and those close to them.

The budding snooker player is planning to do the challenge at The Crucible Sports and Social Club on September 9.

READ MORE: Basingstoke man celebrates 30 years of working with buses

Mason, from Fletcher Close, said he is really excited to take on the challenge for a great cause.

“I'm doing this because my granddad had nurses 20-odd years ago and unfortunately he passed away,” he said.

“The challenge makes me want to play well and show people what I'm made of.

“Obviously, I know 12 hours is a long time to play snooker, but I enjoy it because I'm doing it for good cause. For every £20 I raise I’m giving an hour to nurses. So it makes me feel good inside to be able to help others.”

Mason completed a similar challenge last year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support at The Academy Basingstoke.

He managed to raise £1,240.40 that time, beating his target of just £147.

His target for this year is £1,500. Mason is also doing raffles and sharing his challenge via Facebook to reach plenty of people.

READ MORE: Met Office issues Amber weather warning for extreme heat

Mason recently won second place in Cuestars Under-21 Silver Tour snooker tournament.

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.

Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.

Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.

Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.

Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.