12:00pm Saturday 21st November 2009
By Tyrone Marshall
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD snooker player with plans to take the professional game by storm said he had been inspired by his brother, who died earlier this year.
Lewis Ullah, of Dorset Street, Burnley, is already playing competitively in tournaments across the North West and further afield.
The Lowerhouse Junior School pupil became fascinated by the game as a two-year-old when he watched his older brother Jordan compete in tournaments at Pontins.
Jordan, 15, died in August this year and now Lewis is raising funds for a snooker charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters get a chance to play the game.
Lewis sold football cards in local snooker and social clubs and donated money received at Jordan’s funeral to the Paul Hunter Foundation.
Dad Matthew said: “Lewis used to love watching his brother play snooker and started playing himself as soon as he could.
“Losing Jordan has been devastating for the whole family but the support we have had from the Paul Hunter Foundation and people involved with it has been fantastic.
“They have given Lewis a lot of support, and B and W Billiards even gave him a cue worth £280 to use.
“That’s why Lewis decided to donate the money to the charity and try and help other youngsters get involved in the game and do something positive.”
Lewis has just presented a cheque for £827 to six-time World Champion Steve Davis, on behalf of the foundation.
Mr Ullah said: “Lewis has met Steve a few times now and he is fantastic with him, he did a few trick shots and played a frame with him.
“He has met a few professional players and really loves the game but he is doing all this for Jordan, and if wasn’t for Jordan’s influence he would never have got involved in the sport.”
Chris Lovell, from the Paul Hunter Foundation, said: “We are honoured and grateful to accept this donation from the family.”
An inquest into Jordan’s death this week heard he died from hydrocephalus (water on the brain) caused by a cyst on the brain.
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