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West End celebrities come out to play as auction prizes roll in for Rally For Bally

Comedian Sanjeev Kohli and presenter Kaye Adams prepare to go head to head at Rally For Bally as auction prizes stack up

A charity tennis extravaganza in Hyndland next month is attracting fantastic auction prizes and top celebrities.

Rally For Bally is being hosted by the Western Tennis Club on Hyndland Road on Saturday June 4th.

Three good causes are set to benefit from fundraising on the day: the Elena Baltacha Foundation, Playlist for Life and Cancer Support Scotland.

Organisers say half the tickets have sold and only 100 are left, so the message is hurry if you want to guarantee a fun day of entertainment and food.

Watch: Celebrities lay down the challenge to their rivals ahead of Rally For Bally charity event

Julie Gordon, a tennis coach and one of the organisers of the event which is in its third year, said some great prizes were being offered by businesses far and wide for the star charity auction.

"We have tickets for the Andy Murray exhibition match, not just ordinary tickets but VIP Hydro Club tickets with complimentary dinner and VIP parking space outside the Hydro.

"We also have tickets for the Brodies Invitational tennis tournament at Gleneagles Hotel on Friday June 10 with Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and Cédric Pioline.

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"Another great prize is a Taste of Italy meal with Prosecco and canapés to start sponsored by Caffe Parma next door - it's for up to six friends, with bespoke dinner and sommelier and wine match for every course.

"And another fabulous prize is a cocktail making class at Hotel du Vin hosted by Sanjeev Kohli and Judith Ralston."

Julie said there was one prize she could not reveal at this stage, but said that would be announced on the day.

"The mystery prize really is very, very special," she said.

Strain: Sanjeev Kohli is in training for his third Rally For Bally event

Comedian & actor Sanjeev Kohli has been training intensively for the charity event.

He told Glasgow West End Today: "This is my third Rally For Bally - it's just a brilliant day out. There are three worthwhile charities involved.

"But from my point of view it's more than just about the charities, it's personal now. My tennis has improved year on year."

The River City soap star said: "I've got to the stage where I can be competitive and there's a few Glasgow celebrities who need to be taken down a peg or two (referring to Judith Ralston and Kaye Adams)."

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ITV Loose Women star and BBC Scotland phone-in host Kaye said: "Rally For Bally is a fabulous day, great fun, and more importantly we are raising money for three great charities.

"And you get to see Sanjeev Kohli whimper like a dog."

The Elena Baltacha Foundation was set up by the former British No1 tennis player who died two years ago from liver cancer at the age of 30.

Nino Severino, Elena's husband, and Judy Murray, mother of British No1 Andy Murray, have both sent their good wishes.

Organisers are still hoping that Judy may make an appearance, but that depends on how her son is competing in the French Open that weekend.

Playlist for Life was set up by the television presenter Sally Magnusson to help people with dementia. She says she is looking forward to taking part in the day's festivities

Cancer Support Scotland provides services for patients and their families in the West of Scotland.

Ice-cool: Presenter Sally Magnusson is behind Playlist for Life and up for the tennis challenge

Julie said the event sponsored by West End-based estate agents Vanilla Square was shaping up to be another success, with hopes that last year's total of £15,000 would be surpassed.

She said: "We have sold more than 100 tickets, and there are only another 100 tickets available online so people will really have to be quick and get their tickets soon.

"If you can't make it on the day but you would like to donate we have set up a Virgin Money fundraising page and that money goes directly to the three charities.

"The link to that also gives you the ticket so if you click on that it will tell you how to buy tickets, and you can donate online."

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She also revealed actor Stephen Purdon - aka "Shellsuit Bob" from River City - might also make a guest appearance along side his co-star Sanjeev.

Former Scottsh footballers Alan Rough and Ian McCall are expected to turn out to make the event a fun-filled day of sport, jokes, music and talks.

Sunny: BBC weather presenter Judith Ralston is another star of the event

Food, which is included in the ticket price, is provided by the adjoining restaurant Caffe Parma.

Prices are £15 for adults and £10 for children. Tickets are available at www.jumblebee.co.uk/rallyforbally2016 and more details about the event can be found on the Western Tennis club’s website.

To just give money to the good causes visit: http://bit.ly/1sGaXtH

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