Forres Tennis Club sportswoman taking on challenge to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support, Elgin
A sportswoman is doing a 24-hour tennis marathon in honour of her mum - who is at the end of her life.
Jette Virdi is taking on the challenge for her mum, Marcia, who is battling cancer, from 4pm on Saturday, May 24, to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support in Elgin.
Jetta confirmed CLAN has been supporting the family since Marcia’s diagnosis three years ago.
She added: “The challenge is to honour mum and and recognise the amazing work that they have been giving us.
“Mum has been part of CLAN since her treatment. It’s an invaluable service.”
Marcia is a tennis coach in Aberdeenshire and Moray. She has taught hundreds of youngsters at schools and clubs across the north-east.
Jette, who moved back to the region from Ireland to look after her mum, wants to take on the personal challenge and hopes that others will play with her over the 24-hour period, or support the cause with a donation.
The mother to seven-year-old daughter, Molly, said: “Mum has been coaching up here since 1995. As well as youngsters, she also taught coaches.
“She has been a real force in making sure that children can access tennis or have the equipment to play it at school.
“She is a real champion for the underdog, and such an inspiration.”
Jette proudly concedes that she has never been able to beat her mum at the sport.
She added: “Forres Tennis Club has been so welcoming and mum has given a lot of her equipment to head coach Joe Hargeaves so he can inspire more young people in the sport.
“I want as many people as possible to get involved. It’s not about playing competitively: it’s about raising awareness of what mum has been through: the superb care from CLAN; and to raise funds to help them continue that for other families.
“Whether you play tennis or not, please come down and knock the ball around with me during the 24-hour period.”
Chairman of Forres Tennis Club, Owen Davidson Knight, also urges as many people as possible to get involved as possible.
He finished: “Please hit as many balls as possible over the weekend in honour of Marcia who has been so influential in the world of tennis.”
To support Jette, visit https://bit.ly/448KnOw
