A KIND-HEARTED tennis coach is hoping to help a children's hospice by playing and coaching his much-loved sport for 24 hours.

Alex Forster, tennis coach and founder of AJ’s tennis academy near Bishop's Waltham, is putting on a 24-hour tennis event to raise money for Naomi House and Jacksplace.

People will be able to book an hour's slot to have him coach or teach them.

Alex said: "Over the last few months, I have seen stories of children who are poorly or suffering abuse, so I set out with a thought that I wanted to do something for kids. I was coaching a new client and mentioned to her that I wanted to do something for a charity. She then told me she worked for Naomi House and Jacksplace, PERFECT.

"I have already raised over £1,300 in just two days and would love to raise more."

Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices provide 24-hour care to more than 360 life limited and life threatened children and young adults from across central southern England.

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They offer respite, community, emergency, end of life and post bereavement care on good days, difficult days and last days.

Alex, a dad of two children, said: “I have a little boy and baby girl. I now can’t remember my life before them. My family are everything. Hearing stories about poorly children that are suffering really hits me hard and I wanted to do something to give back.”

Alex started playing tennis aged just three, and he started coaching at 13. He studied Sport Coaching and Development at Gloucester University and has held a great variety of coaching roles and opportunities including working for Neilson Holidays, Highfield School in Liphook, and David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Southampton.

He has also coached Lee Childs, an ex-professional tennis player, and Andrew Penney, who is in the Great Britain (GB) National Junior Tennis Programme.

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People can help Alex raise funds by booking an hour’s tennis session on February 20 at his indoor facility at Hazelholt Farm, Dundridge Lane, near Bishop's Waltham.

Sessions include things like a private lesson, group lesson, a casual hit or even a group cardio session.

To find out more, go to Alex’s JustGiving Page: justgiving.com/fundraising/ajstennisacademy24hourstennis or contact Alex for more details on: ajtennis@outlook.com or call 07885 792290.

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