Kind break for Bluebell Wood after £25,000 donation

The Sheffield hospice were given the donation by the snooker tournament sponsors after players passed 70 century breaks at the Crucible over the course of the event.

There had been a donation of £200 to the North Anston charity each time a ton was made in the tournament, and the sponsor has now rounded the total up to £25,000.

Alan McManus’s break of 107, in his semi-final wth Ding Junhui, took the total number of centuries past the target of 70.

“It’s wonderful,” said McManus, a three-time Crucible semi-finalist. “On behalf of all the players if we can raise a few quid from being fortunate enough to play at this beautiful place and pot a few balls then it’s all good.

“These guys do fantastic work and we’re very proud to be associated with Bluebell Wood.”

This huge donation was pledged by Betfred’s Head of Media, Mark Pearson, at the official launch of the tournament on Friday April 15.

He added: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that this organisation carries out, so it’s our absolute pleasure to make this donation.

“They have a real positive presence here at the Crucible Theatre and the surrounding Tudor Square, and have become synonymous with the tournament.

“The record number of centuries at the Betfred World Snooker Championship was broken last year, and 86 is now the benchmark.

“So we laid down a challenge to the players by setting the bar quite high again this year, but their class shone through once more as they surpassed our target.”

Betfred boss Fred Done said: “Sheffield always makes us feel so welcome so I’m delighted to once again support this fantastic local charity.

“Bluebell Wood makes a massive difference to so many people in this area, and this once again highlights our commitment to supporting the wider community here in snooker’s spiritual home, as well as this terrific tournament.”

For more information about Bluebell Wood, www.bluebellwood.org