A remarkable 24-hour tennis marathon was held over the May bank holiday weekend at St Michael’s Tennis club and saw four dedicated players — Tom, Jonathan, John, and Dan — take to the courts and play non-stop from 4pm to 4pm in an extraordinary show of endurance and community spirit. Throughout the 24 hours, they were partnered alongside a total of 30 other players (playing for shorter periods of time), ensuring both courts were full at all times as well as having many spectators, night & day, offering encouragement.

The Tennis-athon, was more than just a test of stamina. With over £6,000 raised, all funds raised are being split evenly between 3 charities - Diabetes UK, Children’s Burns Foundation and North West Children’s Support Group - as well as St Michael's Tennis Club. The money raised for the club will help fund the loan repayments for the new floodlights a fantastic addition that has allowed longer play throughout the year and offered greater access to tennis for all ages and skill levels.

While Tom, Jonathan, John, and Dan battled it out across the 24-hour stretch, the club kept energy high with a series of accompanying events. Early risers joined a serene session of sunrise yoga, budding artists showcased their talents painting a tennis scene under the guidance of an expert from Brush & Tipple, and families enjoyed a sizzling BBQ and pizza as the sun set. The Sunday afternoon tea as the event reached its climax was very well attended and meant there was a large crowd to congratulate the players at the end.

Event organiser Nancy, said: “The dedication shown by our four players was nothing short of heroic. The atmosphere was incredible — a real celebration of community, sport, and giving back. To see so many faces both new and familiar at the club over the 24 hours was a celebration of the work that has been put in over the last few years to reinvigorate and increase our tennis playing membership”.

The Tennis-athon finale was particularly special with a guard of honour for the players as they exited the court and a F1 style prosecco celebration. The end came as a huge relief for the players as time was taking its toll with sore feet and the excess effort in the warm weather clearly showing. However, with the support of so many people, music playing throughout the event and the unique nature of the event, all finished the challenge with a spring in their steps.

The quality of the tennis rarely dipped – nearly 400 games were played with over 100 aces and the players covered a distance of nearly 40km, with over 70,000 steps.

Many people were involved in making this event such a success and the club are extremely grateful to everyone involved. Special thanks to all the companies that kindly donated raffle prizes - 3-1-5 gym; Carr’s jewellers; Chill Factor; Clockwork; Elswick Motors; Fit Boditz; Grapes; Guy’s Court; Haldane Fischer; Kick Ass; Lakeside Hotel; Light Ash Café; Lancashire & North West Magazine; Nisa; Parkinson Butchers; St Michael’s Airfield; Wild Fox Gin and Wimbledon Foundation.

St Michael’s tennis club has a growing membership and offers tennis for all ages and abilities. If you are interested in joining contact Nancy Claesen on 07801 717258 …. Whether its rusty rackets, adults social / league tennis, junior leagues, pickleball, walking tennis, 1:1 or group coaching – there truly is something for everyone.

The on-line donation page still remains open for anyone wishing to add support to the causes.

https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/6347/st-michaels-on-wyre-24-hour-tennis-athon/

A short video montage is also available of the full 24 hours – to view, please scan the attached QR code.