AN attempt to break the world record for the longest game of snooker has begun today to raise funds for a Bridgwater toddler who has a rare brain condition.

Three-year-old Finlay Jackson was born with a condition called sodium channel brain disorder which can lead to severe epileptic seizures.

The disorder, that is thought to affect just 50 children across the world, means that Finley is unable to walk, talk, sit up, eat or drink leaving him requiring 24-hour care.

Finley’s mother, Louise Jackson, told the Mercury how she had given up her job as a qualified accountant to care for Finley.

However this has left the family unable to pay for improvements to their home in order to provide the best care for the toddler.

In an attempt to raise the funds Finlay’s father, Kevin Morris, is attempting an 86-hour snooker marathon at the Break N Dish Snooker Club at the Bayliss Centre in Street.

The funds raised will help to pay for an upstairs bedroom and a wetroom for Finley.

Mrs Jackson said: “I gave up my job in 2012 because he requires round the clock care and Kevin took another job so he could be closer to us.

“We also had to go through mortgage rescue meaning we’re not in a position to pay for the adaptations to our home that Finley needs.

“At the moment he’s sleeping in our living room and anything like a knock on the door can lead to a seizure.”

 

Somerset County Gazette:

Kevin Morris and Louise Jackson with three-year-old Finley.

 

Mr Morris will be playing against his friend, Steve Maynard, in the match which is expected to end at midnight on Sunday – the current record stands at 85 hours and 19 minutes.

The event will also include an auction and raffle with prizes donated from local people and businesses and Saturday will see Ironman as well as a selection of famous cars in the Bayliss Centre car park.

Mrs Jackson continued: “We had no idea it would be as big as this.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with everyone that’s come forward to help organise it.

“They’ve all been down to meet Finley so it’s all become very personal."

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/fdj050