Gamers play 24 hours for Stollery Children's Hospital

About 200 Edmonton gamers are nearing the final hours of a 24-hour gaming marathon, a marathon they hope will raise $150,000 for the Stollery Children's Hospital.

Afterweeks ofgathering pledges from family and friends, the gamers sat down Saturday at 2 p.m. to begin theExtra Life 24-Hour Gaming Marathon.

Many of the "Extra Lifers" participate from the comfort of their own home, playing any games on any platform they choose including mobile devices or board games.

Gamer Derek Schenk, 16,had a brain tumor removed late last year after which his lungcollapsed. He'snow recovering and feeling great, he said.

He said the Stollery saved his life and these gamers could be saving more.

"It's amazingwhat they're doing for the Stollery," he said."The Stollery helped meout so much. It's so niceto see somany people giving back to the Stollery."

Last year the gamers raised $130,000 for the hospital, Schenk said.

A similar group is playing around the clock in Calgary for the Alberta Children's Hospital.