Popular Falkirk tennis coaching group raise over £3,200 for cancer charities after fundraiser
A charity day organised by a popular local tennis coach has raised over £3,200 for Strathcarron Hospice and the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The local community came together last month Mark Christie Tennis Coaching hosted a cancer charity day at Falkirk Lawn Tennis Club. The day saw over 100 prizes and vouchers generously donated by companies from across the UK. These were offered through the raffle and various prize games, helping to raise an £3,102 – with Gift Aid boosting the total to a fantastic £3,212.50 in aid of both cancer charities.
More than 200 people turned out in force to enjoy a packed programme of tennis, activities, food, and fundraising. The courts were buzzing from early afternoon as juniors kicked things off with a sponsored tennis-a-thon. Off court, the clubhouse was equally lively with raffles, spot the tennis player, a bottle Tombola, a delicious variety of food and drinks, and ice-creams from the Milk Barn.
One of the afternoon’s highlights was a mixed doubles exhibition match featuring top club players: ladies Becky Thom, Emma Samson, Julie Cox and gents Mark Christie, Ross Marshall and Tim Goldie.
Junior player Ava Laidlaw received special recognition for raising the highest amount on her sponsor sheet, while Lauchie Hiddleston, Jessica Cox, and Robbie McCall were celebrated as winners of various challenges throughout the day.
Excitement built further as the drawing of the raffle and the announcement of the spot the tennis player winner. Lucky raffle participants scooped up an assortment of impressive prizes, including a fabulous Wimbledon annual donated directly by Wimbledon and a range of great gifts including Falkirk FC tickets.
The spot the tennis player competition offered an equally impressive prize donated by Kieran Kozsary – hospitality tickets for Scotland’s World Cup-clinching match against Denmark. Winner Julie Gregg was delighted.
As the event drew toward its close, three of the club’s talented junior players, Magnus and Harris Cooper, joined by Robbie McCall, also known collectively as the Red Hot Kiddie Pipers treated the crowd to a fantastic Scottish bagpipe performance.
Fundraiser serves ace total for cancer charities
Proud head coach Mark, who leads the popular LTA-accredited coaching academy, was left “overwhelmed” with the amount raised for two brilliant causes.
“The day was designed to bring together the community for an afternoon of fundraising, sport, and fun,” he said. “Cancer has impacted so many families, making this an extremely worthwhile and significant cause. The support both charities provide is outstanding. They need all the funding they can get, and this was my way of helping.
“I was overwhelmed with the phenomenal support from everyone and such well-known UK and local companies providing prizes and donations. All the fantastic prizes, food and refreshments were all donated, and I can't thank everyone enough for making the fundraiser such a success. It means so much.
"I just wanted to say a massive heartfelt thanks to everyone - club members, families, supportive businesses, and the community whose generosity made the day such a resounding success. There are far too many people to thank individually.
"I would like to give a special thank you to FLTC for allowing me to host the event at the club, Kieran Kozsary for his continued support, our fantastic coaching team, Emma Samson and Cameron McPhee, and all the wonderful volunteers who helped throughout the day.”