YOURS Charity tennis marathon raises £1,200 in memory of Hollie

A Cardiff sports club hosted a 24-hour tennis marathon in memory of a young member, raising more than £1,200 for two charities.

Mackintosh LTC in Cathays hosted the marathon last Saturday and Sunday after Hannah Bourn wanted to give something back to the charities that looked after her and Hollie Clark.

Hollie sadly passed away two years ago after a seven-month battle with MDS. Hollie had been diagnosed with MDS and needed a bone marrow transplant. Anthony Nolan found her a match after a UK-wide Pants on Their Head campaign involving pleas from sports stars such as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton, but unfortunately, Hollie caught an infection and sadly passed away.

Hannah, aged 12, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2014 and received radioactive iodine therapy before it spread to her lungs.

Two years on she is doing well and wanted to give something back to the charities whilst remembering Hollie.

Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens attended the fundraiser and offered her support. She said: “I am delighted to support Hannah and the Mackintosh Tennis club in their 24 hours of tennis challenge, in memory of Hollie, to raise money for two very important charities. Both Hannah and Hollie act as a sharp reminder that cancer can affect anyone.

“It’s great to see the Mackintosh Tennis Club bringing the community together for such an important cause and really shows what a valuable part of the local community these clubs are.

“Hannah has been incredibly brave and inspirational, for someone so young not only fighting thyroid cancer herself, but organising the whole event. Hannah shows us all that with the right help and support, we can all take on our own challenges.”

After the 24 hours had passed, members enjoyed a BBQ at the club and toasted their achievements as well as funds raised.

Donations are still being collected. Anyone wanting to donate can contribute via www.justgiving.com/ teams/MackintoshLTC24hrTennisMarathon