Blisters and a storm was not enough to stop Zoe Turner from completing a 12 hour tennis challenge that has raised more than $3000 for Make-A-Wish Australia.
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Mrs Turner, nee Tolhurst, spent the day at Stroud Tennis Courts on November 20 to raise money for the foundation that grants seriously ill children a chance for their dreams to come true.
"There was incredible support from the community with lots of people all ages coming down to play tennis, have lunch or dinner from the barbecue or just donate," Mrs Turner said.
"Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the charity. Your donations are so greatly appreciated. And thank you for coming down to the courts on the day to share your time with me."
The Stroud resident, preschool teacher and tennis coach answered Make-A-Wish's urgent call for donations by setting herself a challenge to play tennis for 12 hours - minus food, water and toilet breaks.
Friends, family and members of the community filled in timeslots throughout the challenge to play against Mrs Turner. The challenge was held at the newly refurbished and reopened Stroud Tennis Courts.
The day started early for Mrs Turner and husband, Brendon, with the pair setting up at 6.30am. The first player arrived "bright and early" at 7.30am and the 12 hour challenge kicked off.
"From there the courts started to fill up at were at full capacity for most of the day," Mrs Turner said.
"My body held up really well and I was able to play through the event.
"I got blisters relatively early so I had to bandage my hand to protect it.
"There was a storm in the afternoon so we had to let that pass.
"Once it passed we decided to keep on going. Some water couldn't stop us. A big shout out to Peta, Brendon and Meegan who helped sweep the water off the courts.
"The event ended with everyone present on the courts with a big cheer once we hit 7.30pm and lots of hugs of support.
"I am very sore after the event but it is well worth it to raise such important funds for these children and families in need of some joy.
"It felt like such a magical day and I'm so glad we are able to grant some well deserved wishes."
Mrs Turner thanked all of her supporters including Stroud Butchery who "spent most of their day at the tennis courts doing the barbecue for the community and even jumping on court to have a go at tennis".
She thanked Stroud Tennis Club for the use of the courts, her husband and parents for "supporting me throughout the day" and "making sure I was fit to continue".
"Thank you so my big donators - Stroud Football Club, Heritage Haulage, R&R Property, Kyal, Mel, Tam and Mack," Mrs Turner said.
"We hit the $3000 mark which is absolutely incredible considering my original goal was $400.
"The amount of support from the community is just amazing and that really shows through this event. Talking about it makes me very emotional that I was able to do something great for these children."
The money will support 800 critically ill children on the Make-A-Wish waitlist.
Mrs Turner's fund-raising page will be open for another three months. Donate at: fundraise.makeawish.org.au/fundraisers/zoeturner
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
