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Menorcan padel players hit over £4,500 for Ipswich veterans' social enterprise

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A team of 'padelers' in Menorca has smashed their fundraising target, raising more than £4,500 for Ipswich-based social enterprise Combat2Coffee.

The big picture: British Army veteran Adrian Deamer led a group of 12 fundraisers in a 24-hour "padelathon" in Son Parc, Menorca, significantly exceeded their initial £2,500 goal for the ex-forces charity.

Deamer, who previously ran Rest & Recover Menorca offering rehabilitation retreats to veterans, became a supporter of Combat2Coffee after seeing founder Nigel Seaman on The One Show.

Menorca padelathon group in front of a Combat2Coffee sign
Menorca padelathon groupAdrian Deamer

By the numbers:

  • £4,580 raised in total

  • 24 hours of continuous play

  • 12 fundraisers participated

  • Over 500 games played

Most participants were over 60, playing in rotations of two hours on and four hours off to manage the physical demands of the challenge.

What they're saying: Deamer praised participants, saying: "The effort they put in was truly remarkable – it was absolutely amazing. We had lots of locals coming out to support us and cheer us on."

Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee founder, was blown away by the support: "All of us at Combat2Coffee are hugely thankful to Adrian and the amazing guys over in Menorca for raising such an incredible amount.

“The veteran community never ceases to amaze us.

"Every penny they raised will go directly towards our mission of changing lives, one sip at a time.”

The bottom line: The padelathon demonstrates how retired veterans continue to support each other long after their service has ended and the growing reach and impact of Combat2Coffee.

Bats off to them.

How to help: For information on fundraising for Combat2Coffee, visit www.combat2coffee.co.uk.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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