SPORT enthusiasts are getting their racquets at the ready to take part in a gruelling 24-hour game of badminton.

Members of Blackburn Sports Club will be stepping on to the court at Audley Sports Centre in April to play a continuous game to raise funds for East Lancashire Hospice.

The group is hoping to raise £5,000 for "Hospice at Home", a project that aims to provide care for the terminal patients in their homes.

Dr Tanveer Ahmed, vice president of the club said that the most challenging aspect of the event will be to stay awake.

“Most of the players are quite fit so we'd hope that the regular training, would be sufficient, but are conscious that this is going to be a big challenge.

“I think one of the hardest things will be to stay awake and keep the shuttle in the air for the full 24 hours without hitting each other with the rackets.

“We will be have very quick breaks to eat and go to the toilet but I know that it will be tough but it is a once in a life time opportunity.”

The club has been running for four years and after success playing badminton locally and nationally they took the step to develop a charity arm with the primary focus would be to help the health economy locally.

“I am a GP and I who know the working of the hospice, and the pressure they are under now. Hence the reason for choosing this hospice as the main focus. A group of us will be playing around the clock for the entire 24 hours, with players from the community coming at random intervals.”

The club is looking for members of the public to come forward to play during the event.

The badminton-athon will be taking place at Audley Sports Centre from 9am on Saturday April 28,until 9am on Sunday April 29, anyone wishing to play is asked to donate a minimum of £2.

A raffle is also being held at the sports centre, anyone wanting to contribute to the raffle, to donate or to take part should contact Dr Tanveer Ahmed on dr_tanveer ahmed@hotmail.com