GAMERS will be able to do what they do best with the added bonus of helping out a local charity after the launch of a month-long gaming event.

Naomi House & Jacksplace has announced the launch of the virtual event, GAME ON, which will enable people to get involved and make a difference from the comfort of their own home.

For the entire month of April, gamers across the south are invited to battle it out with their friends and family online, to raise money for local life limited and life threatened children and young adults via sponsorship fundraising.

The charity is challenging the most dedicated online gamers to complete a 24-hour gaming marathon online with friends, using the live streaming service, Twitch.

Gamers can then ask anyone watching their live stream to donate to the charity via a fundraising page, such as JustGiving.

Connor Phillips, Fundraising Assistant at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “Gaming is for anyone and everyone and is extremely popular with people of all ages. Not everyone has the ability to run a marathon or climb a mountain, so we created an event that’s accessible for all abilities.

"Established online gaming group, Brutal Democracy, hosted a 24-hour marathon for Naomi House & Jacksplace at the end of 2019 and raised an incredible £2,000, so we know that there is an audience out there, ready to game for charity!

"The beauty of this event is you can do it virtually, from the comfort of your own home, spending quality gaming time with your friends. We’re really excited at the prospect of lots of gamers taking part in this event, so grab your controller, gear up and GAME ON!”

All money raised from virtual event, GAME ON, will go towards supporting the charity at this difficult time.

To find out more information about the event go to naomihouse.org.uk/gameon

Naomi House & Jacksplace are hospices based in Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, providing vital respite, end of life and bereavement care to more than 600 families across central southern England.

Due to COVID-19, the charity has had to temporarily suspend respite care at the hospices, only providing end of life support. The charity has also had to close its 23 charity shops and postpone fundraising events.