Little Bourton Crohn's sufferer's epic tennis marathon

Lee Atherton, from Little Bourton, completed 12 hours and 2 minutes of regulation tennis to raise money for Crohn's Disease.
Lee Atherton during his marathon tennis match for Crohn's Disease NNL-181030-154331001Lee Atherton during his marathon tennis match for Crohn's Disease NNL-181030-154331001
Lee Atherton during his marathon tennis match for Crohn's Disease NNL-181030-154331001

Lee was diagnosed with the condition, six years ago, at the age of 40 and decided to beat the longest tennis match recorded, Isner Vs Mahut, as a way of inspiring others with the disease that life can continue pretty much as normal.

Lee said: “It was brilliant, loads of people turned up which was lovely. We played proper matches all day, about 19 sets all in all.”

Lee AthertonLee Atherton
Lee Atherton
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Lee served the first ball at 8am facing numerous opponents throughout the day.

Lee said: “When it got to 4pm I was thinking I was doing really well and then realising I still had four hours to go.”

The match will not be classed as an official world record due to the multiple but the goal was fundraising and awareness with his £2000 target almost reached.