Disabled snooker player 'blown away' by donations

A world number one snooker player said he had been "blown away" by support after revealing he could not afford to compete at the first-ever World Disability Snooker Championship.

David Church, 29, from Norwich, spoke to the BBC last week, and said with few sponsorship opportunities and no TV coverage he would struggle to take part in the tournament, which begins later this month in Thailand.

He had originally set an online fundraising target of £1,000 to cover flights, accommodation and entry fees - but has since raised almost £5,000.

Church said he "couldn't thank people enough" for their donations.

"On Wednesday I'd accepted it probably wasn't going to happen," he said.

"But then my phone went crazy where people had seen the story online.

"I'm just blown away."

Church, who was born with Moebius syndrome - a rare condition that affects facial muscles and eye movement - said he had recently got engaged and was due to become father in April.

He said he would spend the money on future tournaments, flights and accommodation.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me personally and a quite a bit off my mental health to be honest.

"I'd like to think I've put the work in – on and off the table – and I deserve a bit of luck here and there.

"I'm just chuffed to bits."

World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS), the tournament's hosts, previously told the BBC that while it provided "significant funding" to reduce the "cost burden on players", it could not fund the large amount of competitors taking part.

Competitors were required to fund themselves and stay at an agreed hotel costing £68 per night.

The winner of all eight separate categories will take home a minimum prize of £1,000.

"If I play well I've got a great chance [of winning]," Church added..

"It's time to put in the hard work and get in some preparation."

The tournament begins on 25 February.

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