MORE than £3,000 has been raised for the family of two young boys who tragically died whilst travelling to Poland thanks to a local table tennis club’s fundraiser.
Dorian Mlynski, 11, and his nine-year-old brother Alex had been living in Kendray and went to school there, where their mother Szandra works.
They were travelling to Poland to see family over the half-term period with their dad Piotr but a tragic incident on the road killed all three when they were just hours away from their destination.
Barnsley’s community has shone through since, with a number of local residents creating fundraisers in the family’s memory including eight-year-old Theo Pierrepont, who went to Hunningley Primary Academy with the pair, taking part in a two-mile sponsored run.
Barnsley Table Tennis Club, where both Dorian and Alex attended, hosted a special event in their memory on Saturday.
They managed to raise £700 on the day bringing the club’s total to more than £3,000.
Joe Race, club leader, said: “We had a great morning on Saturday at our competition that was held in memory of Dorian and Alex.
“We had 30 of our junior members enter the competition.
Before the event started I gave a short speech which was followed by a minute of silence. We opened a café, where the players and parents were able to buy food and refreshments throughout the day.
“We raised around £700 on the day, which is going into our fundraiser which is still live this will take the total raised to over £3,000.
“Saturday was a special day, where we gathered as a table tennis family, doing what we love in remembrance of two special boys.
“Right from the get go there was a feeling around the club which we have never experienced before.
“The cafe team were amazing, our door team were amazing, the spectators were amazing, and the children were the best.
“What an absolute privilege it is to lead this amazing club that we call Barnsley Table Tennis Club.”
Joe has thanked locals who have helped support the fundraiser and the winners of the event will receive awards tomorrow night.
“Our whole community are generous, kind and caring,” he added.
“They have invested time, finance and love, into making this day so special, on behalf of the coaching team and the leadership team, I would like to say thank you so much. There aren’t many places quite like this.
“All the money raised will be going into our fundraiser, which will support Szandra and the family.
“There were many closely contested games throughout the day and we streamed the finals on our Facebook page.
“It was great to see all of the youngsters enjoying their table tennis.
“Dorian and Alex will forever be in our hearts, and what a day we have had today, playing the game that they loved, in their memory.
“Their light shines on and they will be forever be in our hearts.”
Jayden Keane-Thorne won the under 19s final, Troy Whitham won the under 15s and Reign Ando also picked up the victory.
