Tim Henman inspired a record fundraising total at the MIPIM Tennis Classic 2019 – as the annual charity event smashed through the £50,000 mark for the first time.
Hundreds of spectators packed into Cannes Tennis Club on a glorious morning on the French Riviera to watch 28 competitors take to the courts in the charity doubles competition.
Tennis legend Henman was headlining the event – sponsored by Towergate Insurance and organised by White Label Creative – for the first time. And the former world No.4 helped the tournament founders – Folio UK, NSS, Inspired Homes, JPW Real Estate, The Lorenz Consultancy and Ringley – raise a record amount of money for the four chosen charities: LandAid, Bright Ideas for Tennis, The Tim Henman Foundation and the Cannnes Community Fund.
The tournament was won by Andrew Knights of The Lorenz Consultancy and Jason Dunlop of Grant Thornton LLP, who beat Jonathan Hogg and Alex Hunt in a thrilling final, before Henman himself took to the court.
The six-time grand slam semi-finalist and former Davis Cup star Danny Sapsford played in two entertaining tie-break exhibition matches, with four lucky winners, as TV presenter Dan Lobb, the compere for the day, gave running commentary,
It was a great climax to a fun-packed morning that helped raise a huge amount of money for four really important charities.
Tim Henman said: “My foundation support education and health in disadvantaged young people. My old school, Reed School, was set up as an orphanage about 203 years ago. I always felt lucky to have the chance to go there to play tennis and also get a free education, so that’s why I feel the education side of the foundation is so important.
“We also work with a hospice near where I live called Naomi House who help terminally ill and life shortened children, so that’s hugely important.
“This has been a great morning, I really enjoyed it. We had some great fun on court and, most importantly, raised lots of money for these good causes. It’s all about raising awareness, meeting new people to spread the word. Helping people that are less fortunate can only be a good thing”
Robin Gleeson, Business Director of Towergate Insurance, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who came and attended. This is the fifth year of the tournament, our second year as headline sponsor, and it just feels and looks bigger and better than ever. Thanks to the organisers and the founding members and thanks to Tim, of course.
“The tennis is something a bit different to the usual MIPIM event and it’s just fantastic that we raised so much money for these four great charities. It’s all about having fun, networking but ultimately making as much money as possible for the charities.”
Mark Catchlove, from Herman Miller, who sponsored the champagne at the tournament said: “In the mayhem that is MIPIM I think its important that we look beyond our narrow and privileged world.”
Danny Sapsford, from Bright Ideas for Tennis, and who helped run the tennis tournament, said: “We’ve met some fantastic people. My charity was set up six years ago to increase participation and facilities in the sport at a grass roots level. We do open days with Davis Cup players, and have got some big fundraisers this year to help players with disabilities, focussing on mental health.
“This has been a great event, it’s always nice to meet new people. They are four great causes and everyone is going to benefit from today. It was a fabulous tournament. Thank you so much to White Label for making it all possible.”
