24 Hour Padel Challenge Raises More Than £25,000 for Mental Health
A remarkable 24-hour padel marathon has brought together businesses, sports clubs, community groups and hundreds of supporters from across the region, raising more than £25,000 for Six Connections CIC and its mission to normalise conversations about mental health.
The inaugural 24 Hour Padel People challenge saw two teams of six players take to the courts at Pendle Padel Club for a full 24 hours, facing 48 different doubles teams in a unique endurance event that combined sport, community and fundraising.
For Six Connections founder Dave Scholes, the event was never just about playing padel.
“It was about proving what happens when people come together for something bigger than themselves,” said Scholes. “Every match, every conversation, every donation and every person who turned up helped create something really special. Mental health affects every community, and if this weekend encouraged even one more conversation between mates, then we’ve already won.”
The event is expected to raise more than £25,000, helping Six Connections continue its work supporting people, workplaces, schools, sports clubs and communities to feel more confident talking about mental health before people reach crisis point.
Scholes paid tribute to everyone who helped make the event possible.
“My biggest thanks go to Pendle Padel Club for hosting the event and the incredible players who committed to the full 24-hour challenge. Team Dyche, captained by landlady Justine Bedford and Team MT3 captained by Matt Turner, showed exactly what this event is all about. Their determination, humour and willingness to keep going inspired everyone watching.”
As part of the event, Six Connections launched their latest collaboration beer with Moorhouse’s Brewery. Following the success of ‘Ask Twice’ the new brew ‘Time’ encourages people to stop and take time for themselves or take time for a conversation with a friend.
“Pubs or coffee shops are spaces where we go and chat about all sorts of topics. If we can normalise conversations about how we are doing in these normal spaces – or on a padel court, I’m convinced that the tougher subjects become easier for everyone.”
The atmosphere throughout the event was helped by a team of volunteer DJs from The Royal Dyche providing more than ten hours of music that kept players and spectators entertained long into the night.
“The support from local businesses has been incredible. Events like this simply don’t happen without organisations willing to stand alongside their community and invest in something that genuinely makes a difference.”
Huge thanks also to Jon Thompson from East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce for capturing the event so brilliantly through his photography. High-resolution images from the 24 Hour Padel People challenge are available to download here.
He also praised every challenger who stepped onto court and the hundreds of supporters who visited Pendle Padel Club across the weekend.
“Being one of the hottest days of the year, physically it was tough, but every cheer from the sidelines, every conversation and every smile gave the players the energy to keep going.”
“People often ask how we change the conversation around mental health. The answer is exactly this. We create opportunities for people to connect naturally, through sport, music, laughter and shared experiences. That’s what Powered By Mates is all about.”
After the success of the first 24 Hour Padel People challenge, organisers are hopeful that the event will become an annual fixture, continuing to bring people together through the simple belief that conversations save lives.
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