Trio to play tennis for 72 hours

Monday 16th April 2012

Personal trainer Mike Johnson will put his fitness to the test when he takes on a 72-hour tennis-athon.

Mike, of Cockhill, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has roped in friend Aaron Turner, 23, and brother-in-law James Baker, 24, for the non-stop challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Mike was keen to set up a challenge in memory of his grandfather, David Johnson, who died from cancer of the oesophagus in 2003, aged 61.

The 23-year-old said: "He taught me how to ride a bike, use roller skates, play football, and cricket. I was 12 when I heard he had months to live. He carried on helping me prepare for my cricket county trials despite being as ill as he was. He died and never got the chance to found out if I made the trials.

"My grandad was a good man and I know he would have been proud of me if he could see the person I have become today.

"This challenge will be a huge test to my body, mind and soul."

The tennis challenge takes place at Mike's workplace, Barcelo Combe Grove Manor Hotel, in Bath, on June 7.

Melanie Skinner, Cancer Research UK's area volunteer manager for Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Mike has decided to attempt such a fantastic and unique challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

"They have being doing lots of preparation and we're sure they're going to have an amazing experience. We can't thank them enough for all their support and want to wish them all the very best on the day."

To support Mike and his friends visit http://www.justgiving.com/MikeJohnson0503

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