MARVELS Netball, a recreational St Austell-based netball club, held it’s first Netball Charity Festival on Saturday, July 27.

The day was in support of charity Cornwall Hospice Care and raised an incredible £1,300.20. Teams travelled to Penrice School, who kindly gave the use of their venue to support the event, from Helston, Newquay, Bodmin and even Plymouth. 

Sarah Medlin, who runs Marvels Netball Club had the idea to organise the fun filled festival, said: “Thank you to all the players and teams that came along. We had Walking, Social, Mixed and League netball so that the day was for all abilities and everyone over 16 got a chance to take to court – be it with their teammates or with friends who have never played netball before!”  

One of the many teams taking part included staff from Cornwall Hospice Care’s Mount Edgcumbe Hospice with ward sister Claire, lymphoedema practitioner Lianne and Jo and Hayley from the charity’s education team pulling on their bibs and shooting some hoops for their hospice. 

The Cornwall Hospice Care staff that took part in the tournament
The Cornwall Hospice Care staff that took part in the tournament (Submitted)

The money was raised through team fees, a raffle, games and selling of refreshments including donated home bakes.

Sarah added: “I’ve never worked so hard on something and seeing it all come together was amazing. I couldn’t have done it without my Marvellous Marvels, who donated incredible prizes to the raffle, baked delicious cakes and gave their time to help us raise as much money as possible.

“The team at Cornwall Hospice Care have told me that we’ve funded 54 hours of their special nursing care! Also, thank you goes to those that umpired and scored to keep the 35 games running smoothly and the event sponsors.” 

This Marvels Netball Charity Festival was sponsored by The Britannia Inn, Avalanche Slip n’ Slide, St Kew Inn, Tregorrick Leisure Centre, Trevisker’s Kitchen, Halfway House Inn, Mid Cornwall Saw Service, ARB Signs, Medlin Design and Infinitech. 

It has been confirmed already that the event will be taking place again in 2025 so get those teams ready for what will be an even bigger netball festival.