Twenty-four hours of tennis in the heat of summer for the Myton Hospices

Now 16 of them, who regularly enjoy casual tennis evenings every Monday, have found themselves signed up to a gruelling 24-hour ‘tennis-athon’ from 2pm on June 7 to 2pm on June 8 to raise funds for the Myton Hospices.

Simon Vetch of the group said: “We are all at about the same level of playing ability and religiously enjoy beers and banter after our doubles sessions.

“One Monday night in February, the idea of seeing how long we could play tennis non-stop for was mooted - and following much bravado and discussion, we finally ended up with the idea of a 24-hour test and Myton was voted most appropriate charity to support.”

The players will between them play 140 sets - with each player expected to play for 15 hours each. One hardy member is even taking part in the annual Two Castles 10k between Warwick and Kenilworth Castles on the same day of the event.

Simon said: “There has been no official training as nothing can really prepare one for this sort of challenge, but a pasta lunch, sugary tea time, evening barbecue and full English on Sunday morning will provide stamina and help keep us going until 2pm on the Sunday.”

And a welcome massage will be on offer to soothe any aching joints, as the wife of one of the player’s is a professional masseuse who has volunteered to be on stand-by during the event.

Simon has promised that some “celebrities” and dignitaries - to be announced closer to the time - have agreed to take part.

He and fellow members are hoping to raise more than £2,000 and encouraging people to sponsor them, either online (see below) or by calling Warwick Boat Club on 492043.

Visit: www.mytonhospice.org/tennis