OVER 50 local tennis players of all mixed abilities attended the Manchester Tennis Centre at Sport City to raise money for the Many Hands Campaign on behalf of the New Children’s Hospital Appeal.

It was the brainchild of two local businessmen, Sheldon Bean and Nigel Woolfstein.

Albert Club tennis coach David Chadwick said: "Since Sheldon and Nigel committed to raising money for the campaign back in the summer, they wanted to do something a little bit different and involve a wide range of friends and colleagues.

"Both are very keen tennis players, so they decided on a 24-hour tennis tournament as this met all the criteria they were trying to achieve, a fun event involving lots of people."

Bean said: "We have had the most amazing support from people and the event not only met our expectations but greatly exceeded the goals we set ourselves."

Woolfstein added: "This was probably the most tiring experience of my life but is the most satisfying thing I have ever been involved in."

The organisers asked all participants to raise an entrance fee from sponsorship that allowed them to take part in the tournament.

From this they raised £13,000 and are expecting a further £4,000 from a forthcoming raffle.

During the 24 hours, Chadwick took over in the morning session to run a programme for children aged between six and 15.

He was joined by Naomi Broady, the UK under-18 champion and world number 469, who started her tennis career at the Albert Club.

She hit some balls with the kids, giving them advice on how to make it to the top, while some of the more experienced tournament competitors were blown away by her power and accuracy.

Chadwick said she is one of the most powerful players on the circuit, and with further work, sees no reason why she cannot fulfil her tennis ambitions.

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