LTA Tennis Foundation grant supports Bright Ideas for Tennis

In addition to the funding from the LTA Tennis Foundation, Bright Ideas for Tennis raises money in a variety of ways to continue their impactful work. Their flagship event of the year is a 24-hour Tennis Marathon which is held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, which is a benefit they receive as an LTA Tennis Foundation Charity Partner.  

Children from schools across the country attend the event to ensure that play continues for 24 hours. They play in four-hour blocks, starting from 12 noon on Saturday, 22 February, and continuing through to 12 noon on Sunday, 23 February. 

As well as the school groups, there are some players who took on the full 24-hour challenge!  

This year, they included: 

Each player participating in the 24-hour event has a dedicated court. On Tracy Compton's court, players from different groups are encouraged to try out VI Tennis by using glasses that replicate various levels of sight impairment, learning more about this format of the game.  

Additionally, a fourth court is devoted to showcasing the inclusive IP30 programme. SEN schools from around the country join in to take part in sessions delivered by IP30 coaches. 

Supporting all of these amazing individuals and keeping their motivation high were former British No.1, Tim Henman, comedian Adam Hills, more than 20 GB Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Players, Special Olympian Lily Mills, Paralympic Silver and Bronze Medallist Oliver Lam-Watson, deaf tennis star Esah Hayat and wheelchair players Thomas Dodds and Daniel Wilson. 

Katie O’Brien chose to fundraise for the LTA Tennis Foundation and for Bright Ideas for Tennis through her epic challenge. We caught up with Katie about how she found the challenge, and she commented: “What a great event to be a part of. When you see how much enjoyment there was across the courts and on the balcony over the weekend, it is clear to see how much good can come out of playing tennis (at whatever age and in whatever form) and the positive impact it has on people's lives.  

“It was one of the toughest things I've done, for sure. It was a mental challenge more than anything. When you've done 10 hours straight on court and you're not even halfway, that's a bitter pill to swallow! The group of pros and former pros that came in over the course of the 24 hours were brilliant at bringing in some fresh energy (and helping me cover the court). I was definitely slowing down in the early hours of the morning, but a quick visit to the physio at 8am to loosen off my back & legs, and a coffee gave me a new lease of life! I can honestly say the last four hours were the easiest! My feet are feeling a bit sore after having been on them for so long, but I otherwise don't feel too bad, thankfully!” 

Danny Sapsford, Founder of Bright Ideas for Tennis said "This event is a testament to the transformative power of tennis. We are thrilled to have the support of the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation as we continue to raise awareness and funds for disability tennis to ultimately get more people experiencing the benefits of this wonderful sport. To hold the fundraiser at the National Tennis Centre is truly a game changer and so inspiring for the participants.”