An estimated 1.2 billion viewers watched our own Philippa George toss the coin at the start of the Ladies’ Singles Final at Wimbledon. “Were you nervous? Did you practise?”, Philippa was asked, to which the answer was “I don’t get nervous, but I was really excited. And yes I did!”

Philippa and her family were guests of the Wimbledon Foundation for a day in which she helped to put up the net on Centre Court for the afternoon’s big match, rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and had her Wimbledon-themed nails admired by HRH The Princess of Wales.

“Kate told me I was an inspiration to so many people. It really meant a lot to me.”

Philippa’s story has since appeared on TV, radio, and across the media, and not just in the UK. Read an interview with Philippa, accompanied by some fantastic photographs, in The Sun.

If you haven’t already seen it, do catch this lovely short film about Philippa and Park Lane Stables made by the Wimbledon Foundation. As Natalie explains, Philippa’s a great ambassador because she’s such a role model, showing young people with additional needs just how far they can travel. She’s the perfect welcome when someone arrives nervously at the Stables for the first time.

Park Lane Stables is all about changing lives for the better, and we’re only able to do this because of the generous donations of our supporters. There are so many ways you can help, head on over to our Donate page to find out more.