Teignmouth Navy veteran battling cancer takes on marathon charity bowls challenge

A Navy veteran battling incurable cancer is set to take on a marathon charity bowls match in support of the health team providing his care.

Jim Harvey, 67 and a former chef with the Senior Service, will play 100 ‘ends’ at his beloved Bitton Park Bowls Club on Saturday September 6.

The endurance challenge will take more than nine hours and include a walk of around three miles.

Voluntary paramedics and an ambulance will be on standby, just in case the feat proves too much for the bowls-mad Teignmothian who remains on fortnightly chemotherapy and had his latest surgery just days ago.

‘The adrenalin will power me through,’ said Jim who hopes to raise at least £1,000 for Torbay Hospital’s Ricky Grant Day Unit.

‘I’m also having chemo the day before so they’ll pump me full of steroids, I’ll be like the Duracell bunny all day on Saturday!

‘Four-and-a-half years ago I was inches from death and I just want to give something back.

‘The staff at the Ricky Grant Day Unit have got me back on my feet again, got me bowling again

‘I’ve never seen the staff there complain about anything and although it’s not nice to have treatment they make it as nice as it can be.

‘But the funding they get is purely for the care, I want to help provide items that boost patient comfort such as chairs and a TV.

‘And this challenge is not just about me, this is the bowling community coming together to raise funds and for that I’m very grateful.’

Visiting players will pay to take part in Jim’s challenge, their contributions being boosted by a raffle, cream tea, donations and loose change trail around the green.

It’s far from the first time that Jim has raised money for good causes, swelling countless charities’ coffers over the years courtesy of long-distance walks and other demanding activities.

‘He’s always giving, if he had a quid in his pocket he’d offer it to someone,’ said Club Chairman Bill Smith who had to conduct a health and safety audit before giving the challenge a green light.

‘I’m overwhelmed by his efforts, he’s an inspiration. The club is 100 per cent  behind him and we’re thankful for all the members who have volunteered to help make the big day a great success.’

The first end is due get underway at 9am with the finish at 6.40pm.

Four times World Indoor Bowls Champion and Commonwealth Games Athlete Rob Paxton is due to drop in, the event is open to the public.

A Just Giving page is available via www.bittonparkbowls.co.uk.