Paul Sutton from Deck Coffee House played multiple players over 12 hours to raise awareness and funds for East Coast Samaritans
First game, began with a doubles
24 July (24/7) is Samaritans Awareness Day, because we’re here to listen 24/7. On this date and throughout July, Samaritans run our awareness-raising campaign Talk to Us, to remind people that we’re here for anyone who needs someone to listen.
Every year in July, Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness that Samaritans are here to listen to anyone who's struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night. Paul Sutton from Deck Coffee House, Arklow, is showing tremendous commitment to helping create this vital awareness and raise crucial funds for East Coast Samaritans, Arklow branch, with players from Arklow Lawn Tennis Club, a fun, healthy, family-friendly and social tennis club.
Samaritan volunteers with players at Arklow Lawn Tennis Club
Paul Sutton is an avid tennis player and has played since 2017, made it to the finals of the Sean Kelly memorial. Paul won the Donal Byrne Cup, Arklow and the progressive doubles tournament. Paul said "Tennis is a great sport to get into, for all ages and the tennis community is very friendly and welcoming" Samaritan volunteers absolutely agree with those sentiments. Paul added "There's a lot of brilliant players in every club and they all love to give a few tips and tricks to use for beginners. It's definitely a sport for life and one you can't stop playing because you just want to get better at it each time you play" To mark 24/7 Paul played 12 matches, 20 players, 27 sets and won every game. This is absolutely amazing, well done Paul that is hugely competitive and shows the skill you have. Paul is a very caring, kind and supportive person. He identified the need for East Coast Samaritans to raise vital funds to help the local branch and spread the message of what Samaritans do for the community he plans to cycle 200 KM on awareness day 24/7 and was inspired to do the tennisathon which reached a wide audience.
East Coast Samaritans were delighted to be at Arklow Lawn Tennis Club meeting the players, it was absolutely remarkable. This opportunity was positive, enjoyable and fulfilling to create awareness and meet so many players, thanks to Paul's innovation to support Samaritans.
One of the volunteers from East Coast Samaritans arrived for the last 3 hours during a doubles match. she said "there was great spirit still there after such a long day. Paul's challengers were also really supportive of the cause." She added "I even managed to pick up a racquet and try out the game with a fellow volunteer. It was inspiring to watch the sun go down on Paul's massive achievement for East Coast Samaritans. Well done."
We would like to thank Valerie for her lovely contribution of delicious home made cakes and treats for Paul and the players, they were enjoyed by many. It was so nice of the Arklow Bay Hotel to contribute by donating delicious sandwiches to the players, we are delighted with the community spirit and support given through kindness and generosity.
Arklow Lawn Tennis Club are holding a social meet & greet event on Sunday July 9th from 3PM to 5PM. It will be a fun event with strawberries and cream and fun tennis games. This event is a great opportunity for new members to meet committee members and other members and even arrange a few games, learn about the competitions they run and how to get involved. It is also open to anyone thinking of joining the club, members can show people the facilities and even have a try and hit some shots. Arklow Lawn Tennis Club encourage people to join in and enjoy a fun day out, bring the kids and enjoy their beautiful little club.
Paul will continue his fundraising activities and creating awareness on the 24th of July at Deck Coffee House where he will cycle 200 KM using an exercise bicycle kindly offered by Jen from Jenuine fitness. There will be a second bicycle that Samaritan volunteers will use, to be with Paul. Samaritans aim is to remind people that they are not alone. Thanks again for your amazing support.
If you would like to support Paul's fundraising cause, please click the link to donate:
Paul's last game, Paul earned a well deserved rest after playing relentlessly for 12 hours straight