World Championship: Hospice pocket £25,000 after century milestone

Betfred announced at the start of the Championship that they would donate £200 for every century break to Jessie May, which is World Snooker’s official charity, with the total to be rounded up to £25,000 if the ton count reached 75.

And a break of 133 from Barry Hawkins in the 22nd frame of his semi-final against Mark Williams was the 75th of the tournament. After the session, Hawkins joined representatives of Jessie May and Betfred in the Crucible arena to present the cheque.

World number six Hawkins said: “On behalf of the players we are delighted to have got the century total up to 75 to trigger this incredible donation from Betfred. Jessie May is a fantastic cause and this money will mean so much to the families they work with.”

Lindsey Horton, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Jessie May, added: “We are thrilled and humbled by this donation from Betfred which will make a huge difference to many of the children we help care for. Congratulations to all of the players for the fabulous skills they have shown on the table.”

Betfred boss Fred Done added: “We are so pleased to have reached the 75 century mark because we know how important it is to raise money for charities like Jessie May. It has been a sensational 15 days of snooker so far in Sheffield and we are looking forward to a thrilling conclusion to the tournament over the weekend.”

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home, based in Bristol, provides a hospice at home service for terminally ill children, offering care to families in the Bristol area.