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Sport Relief 2012: Game, set and match for Leeds charity challenge
NET GAIN: Mark Ormston, 23, of Pudsey Lawn Tennis Club, who is planning to play tennis for 24 hours to help raise money for Sport Relief.
He’s set to spend the next month strengthening his smashes to serve up a gruelling charity fundraiser.
Tennis player Mark Ormston’s training is now in full swing ahead of his 24-hour singles tennis marathon to raise money for Sport Relief.
The 23-year-old from Pudsey decided to take on the extreme challenge after falling in love with the sport two years ago.
He has even managed to net support from members of Pudsey Lawn Tennis Club, where he trains, to help him through the challenge.
Mark said: “I just wanted to do something for charity this year because I’m not the most giving of people to be honest.
“With it being the Olympic year and sport being a massive focus I really wanted to support Sport Relief.
“I play tennis anyway but I decided to make the challenge extreme so that I could get sponsorship for the charity.
“I think that will be enough motivation to keep me going and I am looking forward to just sitting down once it is over.”
The resource manager for RBS took up the sport after he was challenged to a match with a former colleague.
Mark is now training at the Pudsey club at least four times a week for four hours each session to prepare him for the challenge.
It will be split over two 12-hour slots between Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25.
He added: “I wanted to do the challenge straight through the night but there were so many complications because of health and safety and the opening times of the venue.
“Members will be taking two hour slots against me and we will be keeping it competitive.
“I think it is important that the money goes to a worthwhile cause because that way there will be no winners or losers.”
Sport Relief helps to raise money for vulnerable people in the UK and abroad by bringing together the worlds of sport and entertainment.
To sponsor Mark, visit: my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/24hrtennis
For more information about how to get involved with the charity, visit: www.sportrelief.com
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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