The Flagpole

Fund-raising members of the Princethorpe Foundation family picked up their tennis rackets for a ten hour match to support the NHS over the Easter holidays.

Neil McCollin, Princethorpe's Assistant Head Co-curricular and his wife Rachel, a teacher at Crescent School spent ten hours in one day playing tennis with their children raising more than £1,000 for NHS charities.

Eight-year-old Ruan wanted to do more to support hospital staff across the country after clapping for the health service and taking part in a nationwide camp-out.

And after talking to mum Rachel, dad Neil and sister Grace they decided to extend the daily tennis games which they have been enjoying, while raising money at the same time.

They started the match on Easter Monday at 9,00am and finished at 7.00pm, taking it in turns to stop for breaks.

Rachel said: “Ruan wanted to do more to raise money for NHS staff who are tirelessly working to help protect the country from COVID-19. During lockdown he has loved playing tennis on the driveway and so we decided that this would be a great way to have fun and raise money at the same time.”

The team originally wanted to raise £50 but they have raised much more. They added, “We only really thought close family would sponsor us but have been overwhelmed by the response and support. Thank you so much to everyone."

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teammctennisathonfornhs to donate.