THURROCK Lawn Tennis Club members have raised hundreds of pounds for charity following a well-attended event.

The club held a tennis-a-thon.

The event was organised for Jo Stehle, who was diagnosed with breast cancer more than five years ago and took up the sport following the conclusion of her treatment.

Now more than five years since she was declared cancer free, Chafford Hundred’s Jo and her two daughters Jessica, 12, and Charlotte, 16, took to the courts to raise money for Basildon Hospital’s Breast Care Unit.

Playing between 11am and 7pm, members took it in turns to form doubles teams.

Jo’s surgeon Mr Elamass also turned up to support the event and Jo said it was a great day.

“I am so pleased for the club members and we all loved it,” she said. “We all play in league matches in the summer and winter and there was a really good atmosphere.

“We had people coming every half hour to make up three lots of doubles teams.

“There were 144 slots to fill and they were all filled. Everyone turned up on time and the day ran like clockwork.

“The day ended with a huge game of tennis volleyball.

“It was great to see my breast surgeon Mr Elamass along with my breast care nurse Hilary Gee.”

The club has raised a total of £2,400 to date, with more expected in the days ahead.

For more information, visit thurrockltc.co.uk.