Guinness Word Record Success at Prested Hall
From 6pm on the evening of Friday, 10th May 2013 Will Stephens and Richard Ramjane took to the Real Tennis courts at Prested Hall to play the first of 25 matches. This marathon of real tennis was to continue over the next 24 hours in order to achieve the new Guinness World record of Real Tennis, Doubles, Most Consecutive Opponents.
The incentive behind this extraordinary test of stamina started nine years ago when Richard’s son Finlay was taken ill with severe complications after a bout of chicken pox. He was given only a 50-50 chance of surviving, but through early detection from his local GP, and expert care at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Finlay managed to pull through the ordeal and is now a healthy young boy enjoying life.
24 hours after the first serve and a total of 50 opponents, Will and Richard played the last match against Richard’s twin sons Finlay and Zak – when asked Will said that “It was very hard work, especially through the night . . . and the last four matches were incredibly difficult, both physically and mentally.”
However, the record was achieved and even more importantly the money raised not only reached the target, but surpassed it at £9,500.
The celebrations continued at the post event fundraising party where four swollen feet, two very sore right hands, and lots of aching muscles were finally rested!
See the actual record recorded on the Guinness World Record website