‘Every dollar helps’: Halton Hills resident to host 24-hour squash marathon in support of Georgetown Hospital

By Fatima Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca

Peter Mumford, a 52-year-old Georgetown resident, is gearing up to host a 24-hour squash marathon next Friday, pushing himself to play nonstop in a bid to raise funds for Georgetown Hospital.

The marathon will kick off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 and run through to 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Georgetown Racquet Club. The goal is to raise $5,000 to help improve hospital services and support the dedicated staff who care for the community.

Mumford, who is no stranger to endurance events and has been part of the Georgetown Racquet Club for the last two decades, is returning for his second go at the marathon after a successful fundraiser in 2022.

“I wanted to do something that would inspire the club and also show my support for the hospital, which has been there for me and my family,” said Mumford. “The idea came after COVID started to recede, and I thought, why not give back to the hospital that helped me through some tough times?”

Mumford underwent surgery at Georgetown Hospital in 2020 following an injury, and more recently, the hospital staff cared for his mother-in-law before her passing.

“This is my way of saying thank you,” he said. “I know $5,000 isn’t much, but if it can help fund another staff member or cover costs for another week of service, then it’s worth it.”

Mumford’s first marathon in April 2022 raised more than $3,500, surpassing his original $2,500 target. “It was harder than I thought, especially after a full night of squash,” he recalled. “But the support from the community made all the difference. It wasn’t just about playing squash — it was about doing something for a cause that means a lot to me.”

This year, Mumford is gearing up for another marathon and the community is already showing its support. He said time slots for players are filling up quickly, but Mumford is still looking for participants to help cover early morning hours between 4 and 6 a.m.

The event is open to anyone who wants to play or simply watch and cheer on the players. Those interested in playing against Mumford can sign up for a time slot online.

“You don’t have to know how to play — just show up, and I’ll teach you,” Mumford said. “We have extra racquets and it’s all about having fun while supporting a great cause.”

“My son and daughter have promised to come help if I can’t find enough people,” he joked. “But we’ll make sure everyone gets a chance to play. The more, the merrier!”

While the marathon’s main focus is raising funds for the hospital, Mumford is also using the event to promote the sport of squash.

“Squash is an amazing game and I want to get more people involved. Whether you’re an experienced player or someone who’s never picked up a racquet, there’s a place for you,” he said. “There’s even a version called Squash 57 that’s easier on the body and more accessible for newcomers.”

Mumford said he is also passionate about making the event inclusive, inviting people of all ages and skill levels to come and join.

“We’ve got people in their 80s who play pickleball here at the racquet club,” he said. “It’s a great place for families, and we want to keep that spirit of community alive. Whether it’s squash or pickleball, we just want to get people active and involved.”

The fundraiser has become a tradition for Mumford, who plans to continue the marathon every year if possible. “I was hoping to do it last year, but I injured myself playing pickleball,” he said. “I’m aiming for at least three of these marathons before I turn 60, but if I can do five or six, that would be amazing.”

In addition to playing, donations can be made online through Georgetown Hospital Foundation’s donation link, and Mumford encourages anyone who can’t attend to contribute to the cause.

“Every dollar helps, whether you’re playing or just donating,” he said. “Ultimately, we just want to get the word out about the hospital’s needs and show our support for all the staff who make a difference every day.”

“It’s always motivating to see the crowd grow, especially as I get closer to the finish line,” he said. “If we can fill the spectator area in the last hour, that would keep me going.”