Support Network Stories

‘Let’s bowl diabetes over,’ say Record-Breakers

They call themselves Mick's Mobsters and Jeremy’s Jokers, but they are no rogues. In fact, they are the good guys who raised $20,000 for Australian Diabetes Council by playing continuous lawn bowls for 150 hours at Goulburn’s Railway Bowling Club.

The effort was enough for Mick Hogan, Kyle Hogan, Warren Guyer, Tony Grovenor, Jeremy Barnes and Dave Almond to have their achievement lodged with The Guinness Book of Records.

Tony Grovenor drew his inspiration from his daughter Bethany, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at seven years old.

With four bowlers on the green at all times, the men began playing at 10:30am on Monday, 22 January and played through the scorching heat until 4:30pm the following Sunday, to beat the previous record of 144 hours, made in November 2006.

They were aided and abetted by a dedicated team of volunteers, including trainers, timekeepers, first-aiders, masseurs and the ladies who kept them going with refreshments.

A constant stream of supporters called into the Club to encourage the team and donations came in from many sources during the week. These included many local businesses and local station FM Radio 103, who gave constant updates on the game’s progress.

The major sponsor for the event was the Lions Club of Goulburn District 201N2, and all money raised through sponsorships and raffles will be donated to Australian Diabetes Council for research.

Australian Diabetes Council thanks all those involved for this wonderful contribution and congratulates the team on their record-breaking effort.