Most people say teenagers don’t care about anyone except themselves but that stereotype certainly doesn’t apply to St Dominic’s College student David Pletkan.
The 17-year-old prefect is currently putting the final plans in place for a 24-hour Tennis-A-Thon, which will be held at Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5.
The Penrith local is organising the Tennis-A-Thon to raise vital funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation after his friend Scott Osbourne was diagnosed with the disease back in 2016.
“The idea for the Tennis-A-Thon all started when my mate Scott was diagnosed with Leukaemia three years ago,” the Year 12 student told the Weekender.
“It’s a cause I’m very passionate about and it doesn’t get the important recognition that it should.
“I’ve known Scott for about five years through tennis and have supported him through his entire cancer journey.”
David’s unique fundraiser will see games of tennis played continuously for 24 hours. There will also be raffle tickets on sale with some great prizes to be won.
“I decided to come up with this particular fundraising idea because it’s a good way to get Scott and the entire Penrith community involved,” David said.
“Everyone is invited to come down to the courts and it’s a gold coin donation to participate.
“It will run from Midday Saturday to Midday Sunday – Nepean District Tennis Association have never held anything like this before.”
David’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Fortunately for David’s friend Scott, he’s recovering well and will be attending and participating in the event early next month.
If you can’t make it to next month’s Tennis-A-Thon at Woodriff Gardens but still want to donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/pcgap-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.