PARK LANE STABLES RIDER PERFORMS COIN TOSS FOR LADIES’ SINGLES FINAL AT WIMBLEDON
A young and inspirational woman, representing Teddington’s Park Lane Stables and the Riding for the Disabled Association charity (RDA) will have the eyes of the world on her on Saturday when she performs the famous coin toss for the Ladies’ Singles Finals at Wimbledon.
Philippa George, 27, will take centre stage on Centre Court in front of an estimated global TV audience of over 1 billion tuned into the BBC coverage after the Teddington Stables and RDA charity was nominated by Jenifer Hewitt, the wife of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Ian Hewitt.
Park Lane Stables RDA offers horse riding, carriage driving and specialist therapy to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Founder and manager, Natalie O’Rourke MBE, who raised over £1million to save the stables when threatened with closure, describes the stables as “a place of kindness, where we want people to leave happier than when they arrive.”
Philippa has been part of Park Lane Stables RDA for 15 years and plays an important role in inviting and welcoming new people and organising social events.
Natalie said: “Philippa is amazing. She is a great ambassador because a parent of a child with additional needs looks at Philippa and just sees that the future’s so bright. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our family.”
Philippa, who will perform the coin toss in front of an estimated worldwide audience of 1.2 billion, said, “I just can’t believe it still and I can’t wait for it. It’s going to be amazing.”
Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “In recognition of Ian Hewitt’s role in establishing the Wimbledon Foundation ten years ago, we invited Ian and Jenifer to nominate two charities important to them for this year’s coin toss.
“We’re delighted that through Jenifer nominating Riding for the Disabled Association we are able to give Philippa and Park Lane Stables RDA the recognition they deserve through this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to step out onto Centre Court and perform the coin toss at the Ladies’ Singles Final.”
Philippa and her family will enjoy a tour of the Clubhouse and lunch in the Competitors’ Restaurant before the match. She will be assisted in her on-court duties by Gerry Armstrong, Championships Referee.
Watch Philippa’s amazing Wimbledon video story here: https: https://clipchamp.com/watch/lwnGahHZX8R
