Game, set and match to Rainbows

The Aegon Open Nottingham served an ace for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People as the tournament netted around £18,500 for the charity. Rainbows was as the official charity partner for the two world class tennis events that were held in the city last month.

On June 6, Rainbows took centre court with an official Rainbows day. All proceeds from ticket sales went to the hospice and there was a host of activities on the day along with collections for Rainbows around the Nottingham Tennis Centre. During the tournaments, the Rainbows’ 8ft tennis bear, Ace, was a smash with the players and visitors from across the region.

Children and young people who benefit from the care of Rainbows were also mascots on the prestigious final days, leading the players out on to court.

Maggie Deere, Rainbows Fundraiser in Nottinghamshire, said: “We were delighted to have been chosen as event partners and the tournaments have been absolutely wonderful. Rainbows is the only hospice for children and young people in the East Midlands, including those from Nottingham and we have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity. On behalf of the children, young people and families who use Rainbows, I would like to thank everyone for their support, whether it was in donations or time. We really couldn’t have done it without you.”