A MAN on a fundraising mission is today attempting to break a world-record to raise money for a charity founded by his childhood friend.

Matthew Alden, from Abingdon Road, Oxford, is hoping to play 27 real tennis matches straight, in an attempt to beat the current record of 26 games.

The 41-year-old, who is the managing director of Alden Butchers in Osney, is raising money for Many Hopes – which provides homes and education for children who have suffered abuse in Kenya, after his friend, fellow former Dragon School pupil Bradden Young, who set up the charity, died in July 2014.

Real tennis differs from regular lawn tennis in that it is played with a solid ball on an enclosed court. The sport predates lawn tennis, going back to the middle ages.

Mr Alden said: “I was challenged by a friend of mine to take up this world record, and I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. I thought if I’m going to try and break a world record, I should also use this as an opportunity to raise money."

In order to break the world record at the Real Tennis Court, in Merton Street, Mr Alden will have to play 27 three-set matches, which last between 40 and 80 minutes, off handicap.

He hopes to raise £2,000 for Many Hopes and ROSY– Respite nursing for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters.

To sponsor Mr Alden visit: crowdfunding.justgiving.com/realtennisrecord