Left to right Olly Johnson (TDLTC Chairman), Mark Guymer CEO Cancer Support UK, Steve Aukett (TDLTC Club Secretary)
Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club is delighted to announce that its chosen charity for the next two years is national cancer charity Cancer Support UK. The partnership was launched on the Club’s prestigious Finals Day on Saturday 15 July 2023.
Established in 1882, Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club is the oldest tennis club in England still on its original site. The thriving LTA-affiliated club plays an important role in its local community, not only providing members with the physical benefits of tennis, but also broader wellbeing benefits through its active social engagement.
The club is planning an exciting programme of events, which will include fundraising for Cancer Support UK.
Cancer Support UK provides free practical and emotional support to people living with and beyond cancer. It supports people with all kinds of cancer across the UK with a range of innovative services.
The charity’s services include its well-known Cancer Coach support groups, as well as Cancer Kits and Workplace Cancer Support Training. These services were designed by people with personal cancer experience, to improve the lives of others facing a cancer diagnosis.
Left, Olly Johnson (TDLTC Chairman), right Mark Guymer CEO Cancer Support UK
Olly Johnson, Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club Chairman said: “We are very excited that the charity we will be supporting for the next two years is Cancer Support UK. We chose this charity as it is close to our hearts, having seen members impacted by cancer – it’s a fitting way to remember these individuals. We can see the huge benefits of Cancer Support UK’s services. They offer those in need a helping hand at a time when a little bit of assistance can make all the difference between surviving or thriving. It means a lot to us as a club to help contribute to improving the lives of cancer patients. We are planning events and activities to fundraise on behalf of this excellent charity.”
Daisy Aukett and Amelie Davies (TDLTC bar staff supporting Cancer Support UK)
Mark Guymer, Chief Executive, Cancer Support UK said:
“We believe that no one impacted by cancer should suffer needlessly. So I would like to express my gratitude to Thames Ditton Tennis Club, for choosing to partner with us on our journey to achieve our goals. We can’t wait to start working together.
“This community focused tennis club is a highly appropriate partner for us, as exercise, including tennis, has many known and significant health benefits for cancer patients. The physical activity involved in playing tennis can help support recovery, as the game gives you a good physical workout, as well as improving mental health. It can provide a feeling of much needed normality, both between treatment sessions and when treatment has ended.
“Cancer patients are faced with processing a multitude of powerful emotions, ranging from guilt at putting their loved ones through so much, to grief at the loss of their old selves. This is why our Cancer Coach service is vital in giving them the space and tools to understand and manage their emotions, and move forwards with their lives.
“By 2030, there will be around one million people of working age living with cancer in the UK. So it is clear that there is a huge need for every organisation to do more to help the increasing numbers of people affected by cancer who want to remain or return to the workplace. We are here to help meet that need and we’d like to thank Thames Ditton Tennis Club for helping us amplify our messages, as well as demonstrating the many health benefits of tennis.”
