It’s love all round as Tennis 4 Cancer doubles its target

FORMER Ireland professional tennis player, Conor Niland, has revealed that a whopping €58,000 was raised in 2019 from the Tennis4Cancer fundraising campaign.

All proceeds go directly to ARC Cancer Support Centres and the National Breast Cancer Research Ireland.

Now in its second year, Tennis4Cancer aims to gather the tennis community in Ireland together to raise vital funds for cancer support services and research.

Niland, who reached a career-high ranking of 129 in the months before he played at both Wimbledon and the US Open, has, like so many other people in Ireland, been directly affected by cancer.

In 2013 his father, Ray, passed away after a short battle with the illness.

Speaking at Monkstown Lawn Tennis Club, Niland explained his reasons and motivation for helping to promote Tennis4Cancer.

“It was a surreal and numbing experience but the support that we, as a family, received from the tennis community gave us strength and allowed us to remember the many great moments that Dad shared with my siblings, Mum and I through the sport,” he revealed. “The tennis community has the capacity to do that. To come together and offer support, compassion and energy.

“I am proud to support Tennis4Cancer as it strives to affect positive change for cancer patients and survivors. Today’s result is a testament to everyone involved.”

The idea behind Tennis4Cancer was created by Grace Owens, a tennis coach based in Blackrock. She approached tennis clubs across Ireland and asked them to organise a fundraising event or tournament for their members throughout the year.

Grace explained how she came up with the initiative.

“Over the past couple of years a number of people close to me have been affected by cancer,” she said. “And as a tennis coach I decided to fundraise through the tennis community for cancer support services and research.

“I set up Tennis4Cancer and with the help of Tennis Coach Ireland I invited clubs from all over Ireland to get involved.

“I had hoped to attract 15 clubs this year but the reaction was fantastic with over 28 clubs committing to participate.

“We raised €35,000 more than last year which is an outstanding achievement.

“We are very grateful for people’s commitment and enthusiasm for this event.”

Tennis4Cancer has the official support and backing of Tennis Ireland & Tennis Coach Ireland.

For more details on how your tennis club can get involved in Tennis4Cancer 2020, contact Grace Owens on 0876836200 / [email protected]).

ARC Cancer Support Centres provide a range of professional support, counselling and complementary therapy services to men and women affected by cancer

ARC offers a warm and caring environment to nurture the individual, relieve their stress and anxiety, and encourage healing.