Emma Pritchard For Junction Hill Tennis Club coach Darren Crispin, what began as a personal challenge to improve his mental health, and overall fitness has morphed into a community fundraiser in support of cancer research. Proudly sponsored by a variety of Clarence Valley businesses, the local sports organisation is hosting a 12-hour tennis and pickleball marathon on Saturday, April 5, between 6am and 6pm, with all proceeds raised from the event to be donated to Australian charity Love Your Sister, which advocates to fund the most innovative medical researchers and clinicians in the country in their efforts to provide cancer patients with precision cancer treatments. Featuring a full day of entertainment on the courts, the event will also welcome special guest and co-founder of Love Your Sister, Gold Logie winning actor Samuel Johnson, who is journeying to the Clarence Valley especially for the fundraiser this weekend. Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent recently, Mr Crispin said he cannot believe how quickly the event has grown and revealed he is exceptionally grateful to the local community for their support and encouragement. “All of this started back in June last year when I was in a poor place with my mental health,” he explained. “When I hit rock bottom, one of my friends said to me ‘I’ve got your back’, and from there everything changed.” Motivated by his mental health battles, Mr Crispin was inspired to transform his experiences into a positive outcome and decided to undertake a 12-hour challenge for charity. Throughout the past nine months he has trained consistently in preparation for the event, losing upwards of 25kg and gradually building up his strength and endurance. It’s also been a journey mixed with emotions. While organising the event and deciding on an Australian charity to support, he received the devastating news that one of the Junction Hill Tennis Club’s rising sports stars had been diagnosed with leukaemia at seven years of age. While she is continuing to make progressive steps during her recovery, Mr Crispin said her diagnosis also motivated him to select Love Your Sister. “Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way,” he explained. “That’s why the decision was made to raise funds for Love Your Sister. “Every dollar we raise will go directly towards cancer research, and if we can help to make a difference in the lives of other people, that’s huge. “Our club Treasurer Tim (White) has an association with Samuel through his work, and once it was confirmed that he would be attending, it was very exciting news for everyone and we’re all looking forward to the weekend.” Mr Crispin said all Clarence Valley residents are welcome to attend the 12-hour tennis and pickleball marathon, and while he will be on court for the full duration of the event, teams of between four and six players can donate to Love Your Sister and hire a vacant court and enjoy a game or two themselves. The Junction Hill Tennis Club canteen will also be open during the event for participants to purchase food and beverages throughout the day, and a variety of prizes including raffles, a 100 club, and a spinning wheel will also be up for grabs. “Samuel will be having a hit out on the courts with us between 11am and 12pm, and again between 5-6pm,” Mr Crispin said. “Fans will also have an opportunity to meet him at 3pm. “We’re hoping to welcome a good turnout and raise as much money as we can for charity.” For additional information about the 12-hour tennis and pickleball marathon, please visit the Junction Hill Tennis Club Facebook page.