The Aegon Championships is to host 'Rally Against Cancer' - an all-star doubles exhibition on finals day to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports The Royal Marsden, the world-leading cancer centre treating British tennis player Ross Hutchins.
Andy Murray and Tim Henman will both be part of the line-up on Sunday 16th June, with other big-name tennis players and celebrities also making appearances.
Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, a form of cancer, in December, and has been undergoing treatment at The Royal Marsden since then.
"Ever since I was diagnosed and began treatment at The Royal Marsden hospital I have wanted to do something to raise money for them to thank them for their kindness," said Hutchins. "It is an unbelievable place that helps thousands of people in situations similar to mine.
"I'd had the idea of running a tennis event, and was approached by Chris Kermode, the Tournament Director and the team at the LTA, who suggested doing something after the final of the Aegon Championships at The Queen's Club.
"I thought it was a great idea. I then asked Andy (Murray), and straight away he said he was up for it, that he would love to play for the charity. Now Tim has said he will play, too, which is fantastic. It's going to be a really great day and for a charity that helps a lot of people and obviously one that means a lot to me."
Murray said: "As soon as Ross starting talking about the idea, I knew I wanted to get involved. We want to make it a day to remember, so we are talking to a few celebrities, who love their tennis, about coming down and getting involved on the day. I'm looking forward to helping raise as much money and awareness as possible so the charity can continue the amazing work it does, which I've heard all about through Ross."
Henman added: "This is a great idea and a great cause, and I'm happy to have been asked to take part. It will be fun to go out on the Centre Court at The Queen's Club again, and for the first time with Andy! Most importantly, it's an opportunity to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity which supports the hospital that is treating Ross and makes such a difference to so many people. I'm sure everyone involved in tennis and on the day will get behind it to raise as much money as possible."
An additional £10 will be collected for each finals day ticket purchased and this will go directly to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Lawn Tennis Association, which owns the Aegon Championships, will contribute £10 for every ace hit during the tournament. There will also be an auction set up to raise further money, and donations can be made directly and at any time by going to: http://www.justgiving.com/RallyAgainstCancer2013
The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre specialising in diagnosis, treatment, care, education and research. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to help The Royal Marsden provide world-class care for cancer patients, to support the hospital’s pioneering work in cancer research. The charity enables the hospital to continue its groundbreaking work for the benefit of cancer patients world-wide.
Over the last decade the charity has raised £100 million to fund pioneering developments in cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and care. They are aiming to raise another £100 million over the next decade to ensure this work can continue in curing more people and improving quality of life for all those affected by cancer.
Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden, said: “We are delighted that Ross and the Aegon Championships are to host this exciting event in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. We are incredibly fortunate to have a huge amount of support from our patients and their friends and families. It means so much to the charity, the hospital and our staff and enables us to continue to go above and beyond in providing world-class cancer care for our patients.”
Customers who have entered the Aegon Championships ticket ballot will be contacted during the week commencing 25 February confirming whether they have been successful or unsuccessful. Further details will be included in the notification email.
If you have not already entered the Aegon Championships ticket ballot, any returned Centre Court tickets,will be sold in the general sale from 10am on Wednesday 17 April via the tickets page.
The Aegon Championships takes place 10th-16th June.