Maddy Wynn has been chosen to be a mascot on the Centre Court Grand Opening through the tournament’s official charity HHHO.

Maddy has touched many people during her first 11 years but no more so than during the last 8 months. Since her initial diagnosis and subsequent surgery, the tributes that have poured in all have a common theme and reflect the tremendous courage Maddy has shown over the last 8 months.

Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in September of last year, Maddy underwent a number of brain surgeries, lumber punctures and a lumber shunt to reduce the pressure build up following the surgery and subsequently a prolonged stay at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Due to the rarity of the tumour the initial treatment was going to be radiotherapy, but after more histology reports the tumour was found to fall under the ependymoma type and we were then told about Proton Therapy for our little hero. Proton Therapy was something we had not heard of before but the experts at Birmingham Children’s Hospital thought that this pioneering treatment was a must.​

Whilst recovering from the initial surgery, the nurses were impressed with Maddy’s endurance and rarely did she complain or make a fuss. Maddy never spoke in a negative way of her illness and had an amazing understanding of her condition. With this knowledge, Maddy set about mentally fighting the tumour (the hospital were doing everything else) in every possible way. The level of bravery that Maddy showed was beyond her years and be a constant reminder to us all when we think we are having a tough time.

Maddy also has a fantastic sense of humour and is naturally witty. She is a girl of sometimes few words but when she does speak it is well timed, appropriate and always funny.

Maddy has touched the hearts of many people, adults and children alike and her courage through her illness has helped to put lots of peoples problems in perspective and in a number of incidents changed people’s lives. Maddy has an aura about her whatever company she is in.

After nearly 3 months of Proton Therapy Treatment at University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville Maddy immediately integrated herself back into school life as if nothing had happened. She is even riding to school weather permitting of course!

Finally, we would like to mention Maddy’s smile. It is a smile that truly lights up a room and whether sitting watching TV or seeing a wonder goal at St Andrews it is infectious and always will be.

Help Harry Help Others, the official charity for the Aegon Classic raises vital funds for research into brain cancer and to support families facing the financial battle of any cancer. As part of our mission we look to bring a smile to the faces of those people on their journey. Maddy has been invited to be mascot at the Aegon Classic Centre Court Grand Opening through this initiative and in recognition of her endless bravery.