24 hour Gozza Games marathon in Leighton-Linslade raises over £1.4k for Chums charity

Adam Gorry, 18, along with his friends Matty Clarke and Ross Langham played video games non-stop from 10am on Sunday, June 21, until 10am on June 22, raising more than £1,400 for the mental health service for young people. 

The stamina fuelled trio also took on some other eager gamers, who swopped in and out during the 24 hours.

Chums charity holds a special place in Adam’s heart, because it provided him with vital support after his mum, Jackie Gorry, died aged 51.

Adam said: “My mum passed away in 2017 from breast cancer. It was abrupt; she was diagnosed in October 2016 and died in July. I was approached by Chums to do a workshop with other young people in a similar situation.

“They helped me to rationalise my emotions and see that I wasn’t an exception or an abnormality. It enabled me to realise that I could have control over my grief; when I have feelings in the future I can acknowledge them and move past them - instead of it taking hours or days.”

Readers can still get involved with the challenge, as he and his friends are now completing dares to raise money. One of his chums has already braved a chest wax, while Adam will be taking on a ‘Bean Boozled’ challenge, tasting “disgusting flavoured” jelly beans.

Donations will go towards seeing more dares which can be viewed on the team ‘Gozza’s Guests’ page, accessible through the JustGiving page.

Adam added: “I’m grateful to everyone that interacted with, contributed to and shared the stream and fundraiser, without which we would not have reached our third-time extended £1,000 target.

“I’d encourage anyone who feels they don’t have the right tools or confidence to achieve something they’ve wanted, to ask as many friends, family members and people who are in a position to help you for support. The more people you ask, the more likely you are to gather a group with a similar mindset to your own that is enthusiastic and supportive towards your ideas and ambitions.”

Additionally, Adam will be streaming a play through of The Last of Us: Part II in segments, a game series which deals with the effects of loss.

Readers can also listen to his story on BBC Three Counties Radio (skip to 2h40m): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08gnwxt

To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adam-gozza