Toby Hill doesn’t mind a hit of tennis every now and then – but a pledge to charity will push him beyond his comfort zone next month.
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Hill, 32, is set to organise and participate in his very own record-breaking fundraiser at the Uranquinty Tennis Club on February 8.
The aim is simple: play 24 consecutive hours of tennis to raise money for type one diabetes research and support.
In reality, it’s going to be an absolute slog but Hill, who’s currently entering his third year as Uranquinty Tennis Club President, is taking the coming challenge in his stride.
“It’s a pretty rough idea but the plan is to start at 6am on Friday (February 8) and just play all the way through until next morning,” Hill said.
“The only breaks I’ll be having are for the bathroom, so I’ll stock up on marathon fluids and things like that while I play.”
It’s a momentous undertaking and certainly not one for the faint-hearted, so it comes as no surprise that Hill has a personal link to the condition
“There’s lots of people with type one diabetes in my family – my wife was diagnosed when she was only 12 and I’ve also got an aunt with type one diabetes.”
“Just last year, my wife’s niece was diagnosed with the same, so it’s definitely something that’s close to me.
“I’ve actually been planning to do something in the way of fundraising for a while now and I enjoy tennis, so that’s how it’s come about.
“I don’t think anyone’s ever done something like this before.”
Hill’s audacious plan has received a groundswell of support in Uranquinty with the community offering up donated items for an auction, a free live band and free access to the tennis courts.
“It probably helps that I’m president of the club,” Hill laughed.
“But everyone’s been really good and we’ve already got a fair bit in the way of donations and that kind of thing.”
“I think we’ll probably try to run all three courts at the same time as well which would be great.
“The idea is to auction off the hours online so people can book in a spot for a hit.”
Auction items included donated signed guernseys from Greater Western Sydney Giants and Sydney Swans alongside tools and equipment gifted by local businesses.
Hill has established a Facebook page raising funds and awareness for the event with all proceeds heading straight to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
The initial fundraising goal is a lofty one but Hill is confident of success.
“We’re going for $20,000 – that’s a good place to start, I think. We may as well set the bar high.”
Click here for more information on how to get involved.
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