24 hours of role-playing games in Shifnal in memory of Gary
A role playing club will put on a 24 hour gaming session this weekend in memory of a popular member who died.
Starting at noon tomorrowin Shifnal, the Black Country Role Playing Society will play tabletop games through the night and into Sunday in the first annual 'Gazathon'.
Members came up with the idea to honour Gary Price, who died last year after battling bowel cancer, and they want to make the event a recurring one.
They are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care, who supported Gary and wife Lora through his illness.
Organiser Hugh Blackwood said: "Having suffered from ulcerative colitis since he was 18, Gary had a stoma fitted in December 2016 and was diagnosed at the time with Stage 4 bowel cancer.
"He managed his condition with humour and honesty. During treatment, he would still come to regular Thursday night gaming sessions whenever he could.
"As a group, we were devastated to lose Gary, but knew we all had to do something positive and constructive as a tribute to our incredible friendship.
"Macmillan offered essential end of life care to Gary and his family, and so we want to raise as much money as possible to support them.
"What better way to do so than through Gary’s favourite activity?"
The Gazathon will involve three eight-hour role-playing sessions, played back to back throughout the weekend and including games like Dungeons & Dragons and Shadowrun.
Games normally last just a few hours, but the members will be playing and acting out their roles straight through the 24 hours.
Though all of the playing slots this weekend are full, members of the public are welcome to come along and see the games brought to life with lively performances.
The event has been arranged with the support of Lora, who married Gary in December 2017.
She said: "Gary would have been chuffed and humbled that his friends at BCRPS are running the Gazathon in his honour.
"The camaraderie he shared with the group was a major part of his life. This feels so fitting to him.
"I encourage everyone to get behind the group and support this fun event, raising funds for Macmillan so that other families like ours can benefit.”
To donate online, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/blackcountrygazathon.
A number of businesses are already lending their support to help make the event a success.
For more information contact Hugh on hughblackwood@gmail.com or 07956 922930.
