St Boswells Tennis Club in the Scottish Borders raised almost £2000 thanks to the club’s 24-hour tennisathon last month.

Three players, Arran Jackson, Lewis Armstrong and Adam Drummond each attempted to play the full 24 hours.  Lewis and Adam both completed their 24th hour of tennis at 8am in the morning with very few breaks other than for food and a powernap or two. Arran completed more than 20 hours before he was called away to rescue a damsel in distress, in a bizarre turn of events that fitted perfectly with 12 people playing tennis through the early hours of the morning!

The tennisathon could not have gone on without the incredible support of club members and friends, who made up doubles partnerships through the night to ensure that at the very least one court was in use constantly.  Even through the early hours, all three courts were in use as the players pushed each other on until the sun rose.

Adam Drummond said: “I think all three of us would agree that we will never, ever try something like that again!

“We managed to pace ourselves well over the first 12 hours or so and, despite it being extremely hot, at that stage all was going well. But, through the night, especially once the temperature dropped dramatically, it became harder and harder to continue.

“Fortunately, thanks to the support of those many people on and off court, we were able to keep going, even if the quality of tennis dropped somewhat, and once the sun rose and the final hour approached a second, or possible third wind, took us over the finish line.”

As well as the continuous tennis, there were various other events on the go throughout the day, including a sponsored rally for junior members and a speed of serve competition.  Non-members were also invited along to dust off their rackets or try the sport for the first time, and the club committee was pleased to see a number of people turn up to have a shot on court.

Charles Strang, club chairman, said: “Thanks to the efforts of all the players, sponsors and helpers, the club raised a fantastic amount of money which will enable further improvements to club facilities in the future.

“There was a huge amount of people at the club throughout the day, and the atmosphere around the club was incredible, with so many people playing tennis and supporting from courtside.”

Mr Strang added: “The club would like to thank the many local businesses who sponsored various prizes and supported the event, including the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, J C Douglas Quality Butcher, Tony and Ellie Grieve from St Boswells Post Office, Bruntsfield Sport in Edinburgh, and Tennis Scotland.”

St Boswells Tennis Club recently had their courts resurfaced and is currently having the floodlighting upgraded, thanks to funding from various grant sources and the club’s own funds.  After spending more than £55,000 on the improvements, the funds raised through the tennisathon and other fundraising events, such as car boot sales, will help to re-establish a healthy sinking fund for future work.

If you would like to find out more about St Boswells Tennis Club, including coaching for adults and juniors and membership, contact club secretary Bryan Wallis on 01835 830382 or mail@wallis-ancrum.fsnet.com

Photo - Members and friends of St Boswells Tennis Club supporting the recent tennisathon (courtesy of Adam Drummond)