A marathon tennis challenge served up money for two good causes.

Kate Merrick played tennis from 7am until 10pm at David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks gym and club in Ellesmere Port while taking part in her gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Her exploits raised money for the DoE award’s Diamond challenge, which aims to raise money to transform the lives of young people.

Kate Merrick during her 15 hour tennis challenge

And Kate also decided she wanted to donate some of the money she raised to Erin Cross, a six-year-old from Chester who has leukaemia and is currently in America having life-saving treatment.

Kate said: “I had a fantastic but exhausting day. I would like to thank everyone for taking part and donating to two special causes.

“My day was broken up into singles and doubles play, plus a finale of five-a-side tennis, which included friends and family.

“I am delighted to say we have raised £280 for the Diamond appeal and £568 for the Erin Cross appeal.”

Kate Merrick during her 15 hour tennis challenge

Kate is hoping for a tennis scholarship to an American university in August 2017.