Support Pete Cleverly’s 24-Hour Tennis Challenge for Steps Charity Worldwide & Colchester Neonatal Ward

On Friday, March 28th, 2025, Pete Cleverly will begin an incredible 24-hour nonstop tennis challenge, aiming to raise vital funds for Steps Charity Worldwide and the Neonatal Ward at Colchester Hospital (via the Colchester & Ipswich Hospital Charity, with funds allocated specifically to the neonatal unit).

Why…

For Pete and his wife, Libby, these charities hold a deeply personal significance. After an emotional journey to have a family their son, William (Billy), now a lively and thriving one-year-old, began life facing immense challenges. Born full term at 37 weeks yet weighing just 4 pounds, Billy was tiny but mighty! He spent his first weeks in the neonatal ICU at Colchester Hospital, where he received exceptional care from dedicated nurses and doctors. Although Billy endured numerous tests, treatment and over 100 heel pricks, he showed the strength of a fighter from day one.

Adding to his challenges, Billy was born with bilateral talipes equinovarus, a structural form of clubfoot that meant his feet were twisted inward and upward. Without intervention, this condition would prevent him from ever standing or walking, let alone playing tennis with his dad.

Starting at just three weeks old, Billy began treatment that involved weekly plaster casts from his nappy line to his toes, a tendon surgery, and now, his “magic boots” – special orthopaedic boots that he’ll need to wear until he’s at least five years old. Billy will have regular monitoring to check for relapses throughout his development when further treatment may be necessary. William’s treatment is called the Ponseti method, this is the gold standard treatment for talipes and hopes to avoid lots of nasty operations. William is treated by a specialist team at the Royal Free Hospital in London who trained with the late Dr Ponseti himself.

Steps Charity Worldwide is the leading charity working for all those whose lives are affected by childhood lower limb conditions - The support from Steps was invaluable in guiding Pete and Libby through Billy’s journey, offering resources, family buddy programs, and treatment insights. Steps charity is for all children born with lower limb deformities. Unfortunately, many children globally lack access to this life-changing care.

By supporting Pete’s tennis marathon, you’re helping Steps Charity Worldwide extend these resources to families around the world, while also supporting the neonatal team at Colchester Hospital that cared for Billy and so many babies and families with such compassion.


Join the Challenge or Make a Donation

Frinton On Sea Lawn Tennis Club have generously offered to host this event, and Pete invites players of all ages and skill levels to join him on the court during the 24-hour period.
You can book a one-hour singles or doubles slot by emailing PetesTennisChallenge@icloud.com or messaging Libby at 07545202026.
Members and non-members alike are welcome, and there are also one-hour umpire slots available for anyone who would like to get involved without playing.

Event Details:

When: Friday, March 28th, 9:00 AM – Saturday, March 29th, 9:00 AM
Where: Frinton-On-Sea Lawn Tennis Club (FOS LTC), 36 Holland Road, Frinton-On-Sea, Essex, CO13 9ES

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Thank you for helping make a difference! We hope to see you on court in March!