Reigate’s Mark To Play Ball For 24 Hours

Reigate’s Mark To Play Ball For 24 Hours

This month, on Sunday, May 26, the eyes of the tennis world will be on Roland Garros as the stars of the sport lock horns on clay for the start of the French Open. However, the weekend before will see tennis players come together to raise money for Reigate Parkinson’s UK Support Group at Reigate Lawn Tennis Club, organised by a keen local tennis player determined to take a sporting fight to the condition he has, Parkinson’s.

Keen tennis player, Mark Hearn, 59, who lives in Reigate and works in distribution and marketing is organising a 24-hour tennis marathon which takes place at Reigate Lawn Tennis Club on the weekend of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19.

Speaking about why he is fundraising, Mark says: “I decided to fund raise to help my local Parkinson’s support group, it is a group which help people manage the  condition. I was diagnosed three years ago, which is quite early, at 56, with the disease.”

Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2016, Mark has taken the fight to the condition, adding: “I decided not to accept this and wanted to do something about it and make a real difference, and hopefully this event and the money raised will make a difference to everybody in the group in some way.”

The fundraiser takes place at Reigate Lawn Tennis Club and starts at 10.00am on Saturday, May 18, and will continue non-stop around the clock until 10.00am the next morning, with two teams of 12 players in action, as well as serves and volleys, there will be a barbecue, and a bar serving wine kindly donated by The Vineking.

There will be a selection of star prizes on offer in the day’s raffle draw comprising several prizes of up to £1,000 in value each, such as a diamond pendant from Michael Spiers, a watch from Elliott Brown, Ralph Lauren sunglasses, £250 voucher from Ashworth & Bird, to name but a few of the luxury prizes up for grabs for winners.

The money raised will help ensure the long-term future of Reigate’s Parkinson’s UK Support Group to allow it to fund activities, outings, meetings, guest speakers and a variety of activities. Mark notes that the sponsorship and support to date has been overwhelming and his fundraising target is now £50,000.

The day is possible thanks to donations from supporters, Mark adds: “Thanks to supporters Simply Sports, Ashworth & Bird menswear, Priory Farm Meats, Michael Spiers Jewellers, Elliott Brown watches, RDO kitchen appliances, Radley Leatherwear, Penelope Red Jewellers, The Vineking, and Ralph Lauren.”

Tennis Legend Cash To Help With Charity Dash For… Cash!

Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon winner and two-time Davis Cup champion and TV pundit, is confirmed to play the 24-hour non-stop Tennisthon at the Reigate Lawn Tennis Club.

Speaking of his involvement, the Australian sporting legend, Pat Cash says: “Together we all share the same values to continually strive and positively contribute to the greater good. I am pleased to support Mark in his drive to raise funding and awareness for the cure of Parkinson’s”.

Help Mark Court Triumph

To help Mark court fundraising triumph Parkinson’s UK Reigate Support Group, you can donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/24hour-tennis-marathon, for more information about Parkinson’s UK Reigate Support Group, visit: www.localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/provider/reigate-support-group