Tennis players serve up record for charity

A total of 24 players took part in the doubles event, which is in its ninth year. It was followed by lunch, a raffle and an auction.

GTC manager Rob West said they were grateful to all the participants, along with local businesses who had donated prizes. They were also delighted to break their previous fundraising record, raising £1,760, which the club rounded up to £1,800.

‘We were all incredibly moved by the story behind Ernie’s Angels and humbled to learn about the need for its work on the island,’ he said.

‘We are delighted to play a small part in helping them achieve their goals.’

As well as raising funds for local families to help with palliative care costs and funeral expenses for children, Ernie’s Angels is raising funds to help enable the Giggle Doctors to become a permanent service for children in Guernsey. The Giggle Doctors provide entertainment and support to terminally-ill children during their stays in hospitals and, from April to September 2020, Frossard Ward will run a pilot scheme.

Ernie’s Angels co-founder, and Ernie’s mum, Clare Backlund-Leale said the Giggle Doctors were a cause close to her heart.

‘When Ernie was ill, he absolutely loved his visits from the Giggle Doctors,’ she said. ‘They really lifted his spirits when he was in hospital for extended periods of time.

‘Along with a number of other charities, we are committed to having funds ready so that this can continue to be funded beyond the pilot months.’

Giggle Doctors are professionally trained performers who bring magical moments to children in hospitals through music, play, storytelling and magic.

They undergo intensive medical training, as well as training in their entertaining craft. They cover diverse topics such as child development, infection control, child bereavement, impact of illness and bereavement, safety working in a medical environment and communication when working with severe learning difficulties to name just a few.

They operate in 21 hospitals and three hospices in the UK.

‘We are thrilled to be able to work with Frossard Ward and other local charities to enable local children to benefit from such a wonderful opportunity here in Guernsey,’ said Mrs Backlund-Leale.

‘We would like to thank the Guernsey Tennis Club and the management, staff and members who raised such a great total towards our continuing work.’