Sarah’s 24-hour tennis marathon for Rainbows

A Nottingham recruitment specialist and tennis enthusiast will be pounding the court for a non-stop 24-hour marathon – to raise cash for youngsters with life-limiting conditions.

Sarah Wright, a team leader with Totaljobs in Nottingham will take on a series of games, sets and matches around the clock at her local club in West Bridgford, with the support of a small army of fellow members later this month to raise cash for Rainbows.

Rainbows supports youngsters with complex conditions from across the region – and is the only specialist care centre of its kind in the East Midlands. 

A former junior tennis pro, Sarah, explains: “I was lucky enough to help Rainbows with their recruitment of staff and visited the hospice last year – and it was one of those moments and I thought ‘wow’, what an amazing place. 

“The care Rainbows offers youngsters and their families when they need it most is incredible – and the centre relies so heavily on fundraising. So I wondered what I could do to help.”

Sarah, who is a longstanding member of the West Bridgford Tennis Club and qualified coach says she’s been playing the game ‘ever since I could walk’ and was a junior national champion until she was 17, representing country, county and club, even playing at Wimbledon.

She still plays at county level and is Nottinghamshire county ladies captain: “I still love the game, so it seemed a natural thing to do to raise money through an activity at my local club – and the committee were brilliant, agreeing to combine my marathon bid with a club event.”

Her 24-hour tennis challenge runs from 12noon on Friday 18 May, through to 12noon the following day – and she hopes to raise more than £5,000 for Rainbows.

Helen Lee-Smith, Rainbows Head of Individual Giving, said: “We are in awe of Sarah’s marathon tennis bid and deeply grateful for the support from West Bridgford Tennis Club. We think she’s simply ace – and without people like Sarah we would not be able to support youngsters with life limiting conditions from across the East Midlands when they most need it.”

Sarah says she has put in additional sessions at the gym, but admits: “It’s going to be tough – but the thought of helping to support life-limited children will drive me on.”

Our picture shows Sarah (second left) with club members (from the left) Lewis Bonham, Johnny Lees, Lucas Dunston and Ellie Dunston.

If you would like to help Sarah raise money for Rainbows, click here.