A 13-year-old tennis fan and British Lung Foundation supporter will be performing the coin toss to decide who will serve first at this year’s Men’s Singles Final.
Blair Manns, 13, from Gloucester, developed the lung condition Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) as a result of prolonged ventilation at birth and was on home oxygen for the first 18 months of his life. He and his family have supported the British Lung Foundation since Blair was born to highlight the difficulties of looking after children and babies on home oxygen. Blair said: “I love Wimbledon and I can’t believe I’ll be stepping out on to Centre Court and deciding who will serve first. I’m a bit nervous about doing the coin toss but can’t wait to meet the players and actually be there watching them play in the Final.”
Blair will be assisted in his on court duties by Andy Jarrett, Championships’ Referee, and the Chair Umpire.After the formalities, Blair will watch the match and his day includes lunch and tea in the Competitors’ Restaurant.
The British Lung Foundation was nominated by the former BBC Commentator John Barrett, at the invitation of the Tim Phillips, Chairman of the All England Club.
Please contact Casey Purkiss on 020 7688 5588/ casey.purkiss@blf-uk.org or 07976 227 076 for further information
