Two LTA Tennis Foundation Trustees are transforming lives through epic summer challenges
• 3 MINUTE READ
While the tennis world turns its attention to the ATP 500 event at the HSBC Championships, two dedicated supporters are preparing for their own monumental matches off the court in support of LTA Tennis Foundation.
On Saturday 21 June, Tim Lawler MBE, Chair of Trustees at LTA Tennis Foundation, will take on the legendary Race to the King event - a gruelling 100km ultra marathon across the punishing trails of the South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way.
To put that into tennis terms, Tim will be covering the equivalent of 4,219 tennis courts and will take approximately 128,000 steps, all in one day for a cause close to his heart.
But Tim isn’t the only one pushing his limits this summer.
Just one week later, on Saturday 28 June, Simon Steele, LTA Finance Director and fellow LTA Tennis Foundation Trustee, will set off on a challenge of epic proportions: cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Over nine days, Simon will cover around 1,000 miles, climbing a staggering 16,000 metres - nearly twice the height of Mount Everest.
I’m already a keen cyclist, and have taken part in one day & multi day events before, but this is on another level. My daily commute to work at the National Tennis Centre helps to fit the training in, as well as longer rides (London to the Dorset coast was a big one!). It’s been tough but knowing the impact the money raised will have is great motivation
Both Tim and Simon are taking on these challenges to raise vital funds for LTA Tennis Foundation, whose mission is to improve lives through tennis - making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and transformative for communities across the Great Britain.
These are not just physical feats; they are personal commitments to a cause that changes lives.
If you’d like to support Tim and Simon on their incredible journeys, you can donate directly through their fundraising pages.
Every pound raised goes directly to helping LTA Tennis Foundation continue its work and supporting young people like Luay, whose story is below, to achieve his potential.
From Player to Coach: Luay’s Inspiring Tennis Journey
When Luay first picked up a tennis racket at school in 2018, no one could have predicted the incredible journey that lay ahead. A naturally sporty and energetic student, Luay, who is autistic, quickly fell in love with the game through the LTA Tennis Foundation funded inclusive Get Set 4 Tennis (GS4T) sessions. His passion for sport extended beyond tennis, where he also enjoyed football and basketball, but it was on the tennis court where he truly found his stride.
Now 19, Luay has completed the full GS4T pathway: from school-based Get Set Club sessions to earning his Tennis Leaders Award in 2023, and most recently, achieving his LTA Level 1 Coaching qualification. This milestone is not just a testament to his talent, but to his determination and the support of the GS4T team.
“Luay is a very practical young man,” says Jon from GS4T. “He needed some extra support with the academic side of the course, but he worked hard and succeeded. We’ve seen real growth in his confidence and problem-solving skills.”
Luay with mum Ane, and Coach Jon Wildman (Director at Get Set 4 Tennis) on a recent visit to the HSBC Championships.
Jon recalls how Luay, despite being outgoing and chatty, initially struggled with independent problem-solving. “He’d often ask for help rather than try to figure things out himself. But through the coaching programme, especially during on-court scenarios, he began to think more independently. He still needs prompts, but he’s come a long way.”
Without GS4T, Luay might never have had the chance to become a Tennis Leader or pursue coaching. Now, he’s on track to become an Assistant Coach, a role Jon believes he’s perfect for. “He’s enthusiastic, reliable, and a great role model for younger players. He’ll be brilliant at connecting with them on their level.”
Lisa, Director of GS4T, adds, “It makes me proud to see how far Luay has come. Achieving a Level 1 qualification is a huge deal for him and his family. We’ve helped him grow in confidence, develop essential life skills, and now he’s ready to take the next step.”
Luay’s story is a powerful reminder of what inclusive sport can achieve - unlocking potential, building confidence, and opening doors to a brighter future.
Inspired to support?
You can take on your own epic challenge for LTA Tennis Foundation. Download the fundraising pack for some inspirtaion.
