Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club were in it for the long haul when they took on a 24-hour hockey challenge in aid of the Pilgrims Hospice.

The brainchild of Liam Tonolini, a 17-year-old 7ths player, it had been brought together with support from ladies’ 2nds captain Amy Bumstead, 7ths’ stalwart Stuart Peall and 7ths’ skipper Dan Kennedy.

All four saw the entire 24 hours through from midday on the Saturday to midday on the Sunday, with support from players and families across the club - from the under-8s to 83-year-old England international Brian Murrill.

The event started with two initial games for youngsters, before new teams helped to maintain the momentum.

As the floodlights came on a hardy band kept things going, with some players staying on the pitch literally for hours. At 8pm the action moved indoors.

Easily the hardest part was the three-hour spell between 2am and 5am, but the fresh efforts of those turning out for the first, second or third time helped to keep spirits up.

The hockey returned outside at 8am, incredibly still being played by some of the players who had started the action at 4am.

In the last few hours a great cross-section from across the club - including chairman Leigh Marshall, who was picking up a stick for the first time in seven years - competed in one big game in high spirits.

With The Arch Company among those showing their support, it was estimated that around £5,000 has already been raised.

To contribute, see justgiving.com/page/fohc24hrmatch.