The Marathon Of Zelda

---

Computer gaming to raise money for charity

Teenagers and computers often get a bad press but two local lads are planning on putting their gaming hobby to good use.

Luca Fruzzi and Rory Lehane both 17 who study at Drayton Manor School are raising money for the heart charity CRY.

Lucca says:

'' We will be undertaking this challenge in memory of a dear friend, Tom Clabburn who was tragically taken long before his time, due to an unforeseen problem with his heart.

''Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a noble charity who strive tirelessly to prevent tragedies like this, and in memory of Tom there couldn't be a better cause '

They have given themselves 48 hours to complete four difficult games in the Zelda franchise - a difficult task which would normally take an average player up to fifty hours for each individual game.

Lucca says he decided on gaming because it was something he knew best:

''' Largely, people will dismiss a gaming marathon as something easy, which I would do in my spare time, but in truth it will be a strenuous trial of continuous concentration against the time parameters set up. While we hope to have some fun, it won't be a walk in the park.'

''The Legend of Zelda is synonymous with most of my life, I'm 17 and have been playing since I was 5. The same way
people turn to television or books for comfort, I was able to turn to Zelda around the time of Tom's death.

''It's because of all this that I chose to make this a Zelda marathon; I hope to accomplish something for a great cause by doing something personal.''

They teenagers will be starting the marathon on the 16th of December, giving themselves 48 hours to complete the 4 Zelda games.

Lucca says they have been overwhelmed by the backing they have had:

''The support from everyone so far has been amazing, everyone at Drayton Manor High School has proven their mettle by donating or generally helping us to stay motivated. And of course I would have done none of this if not for the help of Tom's father Paul, a man whose bravery and motivation are truly inspiring, the sort of man many can aspire to, but few have the heart to become.''

The event can be viewed on the website www.themarathonofzelda.com

07 December 2010