Milton Keynes ladies' charity table tennis tournament raises £650 for breast cancer charity

The Milton Keynes Table Tennis Centre has just wrapped up its second annual charity tournament exclusively for women, an event rich in community spirit and connections among enthusiasts of the sport. The tournament took place on September 6, organised by Julie Snowdon, a Table Tennis England staff member who also serves as the centre's secretary. The event was not merely a competition but served as a bridge connecting hearts towards the community, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now. What made this year's tournament distinctive was its 'fun and fair play' message. With 14 women participating, most coming from the centre's regular ladies-only monthly sessions, the tournament featured a group-stage format followed by a main final and a consolation final for those eliminated early. This structure was not intended to create intense competitive pressure but rather to encourage broad participation from players of varying skill levels, from beginners to semi-competitive players. Beyond financial fundraising, the tournament also collected more than 100 used bras for Against Breast Cancer to support recycling and research initiatives. This creative approach transformed a sporting event into a practical opportunity to raise health awareness among women. The organisers noted that bras that might otherwise be discarded can, after a period of use, become an important resource for community support activities. Julie Snowdon, the organiser, shared that what made the event special was the connection between women who share a passion for the sport and a common humanitarian goal. The message was clear: table tennis is not only a place to showcase talent or tactical skills, but also a place where one can touch the hearts of others. For many attendees, the event was also an opportunity to better understand breast cancer – one of the most common diseases among women today – and to spread awareness about prevention and sharing within the wider community. This second edition demonstrated the sustainability of the community sports model locally. The ladies-only monthly sessions at the Milton Keynes Table Tennis Centre, held regularly, not only help improve physical fitness and skills but also contribute to building a closely-knit community where women can comfortably train and socialise in a friendly environment. The centre continues to welcome those who love table tennis, especially women, to its next regular session on November 1, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with opportunities to participate in follow-up community and fundraising activities. With the success of the second edition, Milton Keynes is showing that grassroots sport is full of vitality and meaning. The value of a tournament perhaps lies not in points or rankings, but in seeing so many people leave the sports hall with smiles and a more positive outlook on life. Perhaps this is the true spirit of sport, and it is the message the organisers hope to carry forward into the third edition next year.